Calendar

PROVIDENCE AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY (4)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
Ruth 2:18-23

Numbers 5:5-10

 

“…let the trespass be recompensed

unto the LORD…”

 

PROVIDENCE AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY (4)
 
This final provision was one that would help in cases where restitution was needed for sin and defilement to be put away. God’s presence among His people was conditioned upon the absence of that which defiled within their camp. When there was sin or trespass in the camp, steps were to be taken to have the sin put away. In some cases, the steps would include confession and restitution for the restoration of harmony in the camp.
 
“But if the man have no kinsman to recompense the trespass unto…” (Num 5:8). The provision of the kinsman was to include receiving restitution on behalf of a relative who was defrauded and wronged, but was not present to receive the confession of sin and restitution for sin himself. If the man or his kinsman was not available, then the LORD was to receive the recompense. The kinsman had therefore a part in the taking away of guilt and restoring a clear conscience by receiving confession and the “fine” imposed for the offence.
 
Sin separates man from God, and God makes provision that through confession of sin and restitution, harmony can be restored, sin can be forgiven and conscience unburdened. All sins and false dealings committed against a neighbour is also against God (Lev 6:2-3), and the guilt offering, as outlined in Leviticus 6, was to be offered. If there was no kinsman alive to receive the compensation for guilt, then it was to be paid to the LORD, i.e. it was to be given to the priest, and this was to be beside the atonement that had to be made.
 
God is Redeemer of His people and is presented in the Old Testament as Father (Deut 32:6), Landlord (Lev 25:23), Avenger (Deut 19:10), and King (Exod 6:2-8). In the New Testament, Christ is presented as man’s Redeemer (Heb 2:16-18; 4:14-16), One who understands our struggles and infirmities, One who is able to help us in our needs and strengthen us in our weaknesses.
 
THOUGHT: (Read 1 John 1:9.)

PRAYER: (Use Psalm 25:6-11.)

Search