Leviticus 4:21, “And he shall carry forth the bullock without the camp, and burn him as he burned the first bullock: it is a sin offering for the congregation.”
The other night I had dinner with a small group of friends. We had a wonderful time together. The topic of Church finances and the office of Pastor came up. This group of friends began to talk about a man who used to have the biggest Church around in his day. As I listened, I began to think to myself that these friends of mine did not know what I know about this particular situation. I got so angry that I could not speak out for my dear friend. Finally one of the men of the group spoke up and said that this particular Pastor was a friend of mine (meaning me) and that we ought not to talk about him like that in front of me. I appreciated this man’s input. I took a few short seconds and I addressed the crowd and shared this dear friend’s innocence. After this the conversation stopped for a few moments.
When I went home after dinner I actually cried at my lack of ability to stand up for my dearest friend. I was so angry with myself that the next morning I called him and apologized for my part in the incident. Thankfully he forgave me. That felt so good to be forgiven. To him it was not a big deal as he is used to being roasted by other people. To me it was huge because I did not stand up for him and I definitely should have. God forgive me!
As I was reading our Scriptures for today I could not help but think about our Lord Jesus Christ. You see this sacrifice was made without the camp. It was taken outside and the sacrifice made. Well, so did Jesus. He was crucified outside “the camp” so to speak. He was sacrifices so that you and I could be saved or born again. We can now have our sins forgiven and have a confidence knowing that Heaven is our home. Glory to God!
I thank God for the forgiveness of my friend. Most of all I thank God for the forgiveness that God extended to me as He suffered and died outside the camp in my place. Thank You God!
Read: Deuteronomy 10, 11, 12; Psalms 28, 58, 88, 118, 148; Proverbs 28
Pray: “Lord Jesus, I thank You so much for dying for me. Thank You for eternal life and the forgiveness of sin. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
David,
You’re a good man and God will bless you for having the courage you demonstrate in the blog. I am certain sometimes it actually takes more courage to admit you should have stood up for someone than it does to stand up. Always keep in mind that no true friend expects his friend to suffer for his sake. Christ differs in this in that He can, will and does up losses we suffer for Him. Usually other friends know that they can never repay any loss their friend, you in this case, would have suffered.
God bless.