Leviticus 7 - Guilt and Fellowship

Startling to see guilt and fellowship placed side by side in scripture, but in Leviticus 7 that is exactly what God did. Coming directly after the sin offering (Lev 6:24-30), the guilt offering is to be offered  in the same place. God is Holy and cannot mix with sin, but we are sinners and cannot hope to be Holy. We have a terrible problem that separates us from God. Sin results in death. God said it even as He gave His first directions to Adam in the garden. The animal sacrifices were representations of the spiritual death that is the result of sin and acknowledges that we ourselves are affected by this terrible malidy. The animal could not substitute for us and take our punishment but it pointed to the work of our Savior to come. 

As long as we are in sin fellowship with God is impossible. We can deceive ourselves that our sin is not worthy of death, but we are not the judge and we don't determine the penalty. Without a Savior we have no hope of reconciliation with God. Once the sin problem is addressed and we acknowledge our guilt before God, the fellowship (or peace) offering to God in gratitude for His lovingkindness. 

While we cannot have fellowship with God in our guilty state, we also cannot be reconciled to God without an acknowledgement of our sin. We have all sinned and fallen short of God's Holy standard. When was the last time you confessed your sin to The Lord and acknowledged your guilt before Him?  We must keep a short list by regularly confessing our sin to God and receiving His free gift of forgiveness given to those who are completely undeserving but repentant. 

We cannot expect God's blessing in our lives if we are living a life of sin and not acknowledging our guilt. BUT if we will confess our sins He is faithful to forgive us and we can have peace with God here on earth and for all eternity. The greatest blessing of all is not to win millions in the lottery and have no financial struggle, but it is to experience the joy of fellowship with God receiving the grace He freely offers. 

Our treasure is found in fellowship with God. We can enjoy the same fellowship that Adam had if we will address our sin, acknowledge our need of a Savior and come into God's presence with praise and thanksiving. This is God's story played out in each of our lives. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Him and as you serve Him.