Numbers 15 - Choosing Sides

In every act, we make a statement about what we believe and our character before the world and before God. Our sin against God speaks volumes about where He stands in our lives. Hopefully as a Christian, our sins against God would be unintentional. Provision is made for such sin (Num 15:22-29). In all cases, whether defiant or unintentional, the result of sin is death. The bull was sacrifices for unintentional sin just as it was for the intentional sin. 

There is a distinction made when the sin is defiant or "presumptive" (Num 15:30 -32). That person is to have his protection from the camp severed and is to live apart from the nation never to influence their thinking. There is no provision of a sacrifice. Their guilt remains on them. A defiant sinner must pay the penalty for their own sin. That sinner chose sides against God. God doesn't tolerate such open rebellion. 

We have an example of a defiant sinner who breaks the Sabbath (Num 15:32-36). This man was brought before the camp to determine what should rightfully be done. The Lord gave an immediate judgment that this person should die. The camp would put him to death demonstrating God's defense of His law and His seriousness against sin. 

We like to discount our actions presuming upon God's forgiveness. We justify ourselves by comparing ourselves to the acts if unbelievers. Surely we are not so bad. When we compare ourselves with others we immediately have lowered God's standard for Holy conduct. Our reference point is not God, but some other person. 

God's holiness is not to be discounted. When we see our acts and our thoughts as God sees them we recognize that we are altogether undone before Him. We are deserving of the judgment, but graciously He offers us forgiveness not through the blood of animals - but forgiveness through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. A perfect man who died to save us. 

Finally the chapter ends with tassels on the garments of the people. Just like wearing a wedding ring identifies us as being in union with our spouse, the tassels signified their alliegiance to God. They were his people.  

If we are identified as God's people, we must honor Him through obedience. We give honor to our Creator by agreeing with Him about sin, keep short lists by confessing our sin and accepting God's provision to redeem us from our sinful nature. We must choose whose side we are on. 

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