Be Reconciled
Daily Old Testament Reading: Leviticus 4-6
Daily Focus Passage: Leviticus 6
The effect of sin causes separation on two different planes. In a vertical dynamic, sin separates us from God, and we desperately need reconciliation and restoration that comes through Christ alone if we are to obtain these needed states. In a horizontal dynamic, sin causes division and separation between individuals. In Leviticus 6, Moses instructs the carrying out of the guilt offering. This offering served as an act of sacrifice centered on the repayment of loss one caused to another. Thus, this offering dealt with restitution, reparation, and restoration in a social realm. Today, this offering reminds us of the importance of reconciliation in both the vertical and horizontal domains.
ADMIT THE NEED TO RECONCILE
The ability to reconcile begins when we admit separation or tension. This confession centers on acknowledging that an issue has caused a divide between people and that this division must not continue unresolved. When we admit the need to reconcile, we also must admit our role in the situation. If we refuse to own our part of the division, we expect the other people involved to do all the work. Thus, admitting the need for reconciliation means that we desire to join together and enter the act with the intention of actively playing a part in the process.
TAKE THE NEEDED STEPS TO RECONCILE
The ability to reconcile takes action and effort. Just like Moses gave specific steps to carry out this offering, the ability to reconcile takes steps of moving toward unity. The steps begin with admitting the need and moving to seek forgiveness. When we seek forgiveness, we approach others with the intent of forgiving them when they have wronged us and seeking forgiveness for the moments we have felt wronged. The act of forgiveness is not suggestive in the Bible but is given as a directed command. Thus, we must readily take the step of forgiveness to reconcile.
The key to forgiveness includes letting it go. This does not mean that you forget, but it does mean that you live as if it is forgotten. When we fail to let it go, we start with increasing bitterness and frustration and set a trap of sin in our life. When we refuse to let it go, we are refusing to let God be glorified. This truth means that we let it go and move forward together.
CHRIST IS THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE TO OFFER ETERNAL RECONCILIATION
When we investigate the sacrifices in Leviticus, we must look forward to the sacrifice of Christ and see how the Old Testament sacrifices pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. On the cross, Jesus paid the debt of sin to offer reconciliation and restoration. He took on the penalty we deserved so we could be reconciled with the Lord and receive the reward we did not deserve. Likewise, when we admit our sinfulness and enter a relationship with Christ, we enter a state of forgiveness and receive the gift of life.
As you consider your life, are you reconciled with God through a relationship with Jesus Christ? Are you in need of reconciliation with others? Will today be the day that you seek reconciliation both vertically and horizontally?
