Should We Not Be Alarmed?

Leviticus 4-6

Honestly, as I read today's One Year Chronological Bible reading, I just stared at the words completely overwhelmed with the details involved in the ritual offerings described there.

I say "overwhelmed" because the thought of being redeemed from these practices and requirements because of Jesus' work on my behalf is really unimaginable by today's standards.

I feel compelled to at least understand these rituals, but again, find myself hopelessly lost in them even if just for learning's sake.

As seen in Leviticus, the level of devotion required by God's people far outweighs, and therefore does not translate well, to the level of devotion found in even the most devoted today. Should we not be alarmed?

Jesus said:

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. [Matthew 7.13-14]

I believe what we call devotion today is a sham for the most part. We speak of faith and God's Word with teary-eyed emotion but most cannot move a b-b across a level surface by faith, let alone move a mountain into the sea. Again, should we not be alarmed???

If our lives are "in Christ" then, should they not mirror Christ? Jesus' words on the topic are a serious indictment on our faithlessness, and yet we just read them with glassed-over eyes without as much as a prick in our hearts about our gross dissimilarity to Him:

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. [John 14.12]

The prudent understanding of Jesus' words in John 14.12 is that if a person does NOT do the same works of Jesus (and greater), then that person is effectively disqualified from the status of "believer." OUCH!

And yet, we insist to measure ourselves by ourselves (instead of by God's Holy Word) and consequently comfort ourselves that God understands our faithlessness and will make it all better when we are in heaven with Him. REALLY??? Nothing in the Bible supports this fallacy!

There is a solution however. It is called repentance. It is called a humble and contrite spirit. It is called death to self so that the power of God might resurrect us in His Spirit. It is called New Birth, salvation, being born again. It is called repenting of our self-seeking proud excuses for why our lives do not look like Jesus. It is called taking up our cross and following Christ.

Of course, the blood of Christ has redeemed us "from" the requirements of the Law and its rituals. But what the blood of Christ redeemed us "to" is a life of manifest selfless power to do God's will (just like Jesus modeled and commanded).

Father, may we be found repentant until Redemption is manifest in our lives. May Jesus be our goal and none other. May You look upon us and see only Your Son.