Leviticus 1-4: This is the book that is filled with the dried up bones of many who started reading the Bible through but got in the middle and just gave up. It is filled with laws and commands. It is hard sometimes to get “a word” in the midst of thinking what in the world could this possibly have to do with my life.

Let me try to bring some fresh tissue and flesh to the valley of these dry bones by reminding us that by God’s grace we no longer need to physically sacrifice animals for our sin or even to find favor with God. Jesus was the complete payment for our sin, but reading through these passages definitely give us a much better picture of what our sin cost. As each family would raise a perfect animal for the sacrifice they raised it knowing that it would be slaughtered to pay for their wrong doing. I wonder if they named these animals and were they favored pets by their children? Did they children cray where they placed the rope around the neck of the animal to lead it to the temple. I wonder how parents explained it to their children.

When the owner got the animal to the temple they would place their hand upon the head of the animal and confess their sin. Do you think they whispered their words? Did they say them loud enough for others to hear. The laying their hands on the head of the animal did not absolve them, but it was a place where confession and repentance took place as the person realized and turned from their sin. We don’t physically put our hands on the head of an animal, but God still bids us to speak out a confirmation of our sin and wrongdoing and repent or turn from it.

I am so grateful that I don’t have to worry about what parts went on the altar and the fat of which parts were to be burned. I don’t have to worry about what side of the altar North or East that the blood from the sacrifice is placed on. I don’t have to worry about adding salt to the meat for the best aroma to the Father. My only concerns are to come before Him with praise and thanksgiving, with a humble heart broken for my sin, and a repentant spirit promising to turn away and do right. Reading Leviticus is a great reminder for me of all that God had done so that I might live in freedom.

Now that is not just flesh on the old bones, but blood and muscle as well. Praise the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.