SCRIPTURE:
“He shall make restitution for that which he has sinned against the holy thing, and shall add to it a fifth part of it and give it to the priest. The priest shall then make atonement for him with the ram of the guilt offering, and it will be forgiven him.”
Leviticus 5:16
OBSERVATION:
Gods grace was evidence within Leviticus of the atonement for sin. God provides ways for everyone to atone, regardless of their financial status or position. He made every way possible that each person who recognized their sin. It wasn’t about them breaking a rule but understanding that sin affects their relationship with God, others, and self. The additional fifth restitution shows that making things right goes beyond mere repayment; it reflects a heart of integrity and responsibility.
As we fast forward the tape from Leviticus to the gospels, Jesus becomes the gateway for all mistakes and all sins to be reconciled to Him. This verse teaches that true repentance is more than just saying, “I’m sorry.” It involves recognizing our wrongdoing, taking responsibility, and making things right both with God and with others.
APPLICATION:
This morning, I read three chapters of Leviticus over and over, wanting to grasp the heart of God in the scripture. Throughout these chapters, God continually instructs Moses on what the people must do when sin is knocking at their door. He doesn’t want them to be left with a guilty conscience or broken relationships. He wants them to take action in response to their wrongdoing. Even if they couldn’t afford the full restitution, He made provisions to ensure they could still make amends. This reveals His grace in a tangible way.
One of the things I love about this passage is the emphasis on restitution. I see that simply saying “sorry” is just the first step, but going the extra mile to make things right demonstrates true repentance and godly character. To be honest, taking that extra step isn’t always easy, but I am reminded that this is exactly what Christ did for us and what He continues to do for me.
In this season, I want to go beyond mere apologies. This message may not resonate with everyone, but this morning, I captured the heart of Jesus. It’s not about letting guilt pressure me into doing more; it’s about allowing God’s love to work through me to mend broken relationships. The first mile restores my relationship with God, and the second mile restores my relationship with others.
PRAYER:
God, I continue to be amazed by Your plans. You are so intentional in the way You do things, and because You know the heart of man, You made a way even when we fail to follow Your first plan. Lord, I thank You for Your grace, which You so freely pour out upon us. Though we are undeserving, You still declare that we are worth it.
Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. I pray that my life would honor You and that I would take action to make things right whenever I have wronged You or others. Help me walk in true repentance, not just in words but in actions. Lord, I trust that a lasting and meaningful relationship with You is built on a foundation of repentance.
Amen.
