In this chapter, God reveals another ritual law required by the Israelites. He explains to Moses and Aaron the process of purifying water for the purpose of removing sin from the people of Israel. In order to purify the water--a priest, in this case, Eleazar, who is one of Aaron’s sons, must burn a red heifer with no physical defects. The ashes from the animal will be stored outside the camp and used to purify water when needed. Anytime someone touches a dead human body, a bone, or a grave, that person is defiled and must be purified, and a purification ceremony must be performed. “All those who touch a dead human body will be ceremonially unclean for seven days. They must purify themselves on the third and seventh days with the water of purification; then they will be purified.” (Numbers 19:11-12) The rest of the chapter gives the details to this process.
Fortunately, today we can simply ask God for forgiveness by acknowledging the sin, admitting it was wrong, apologizing for it, and asking for His forgiveness. When we sin, we sin against God. However, in the process of our sin, we may also hurt other people which require us to ask for their forgiveness, as well. The process of asking for their forgiveness is no different from asking the Lord for forgiveness. In both cases, we must be sincere.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! We ALL are sinners! Convict our hearts and help us repent and turn away from our sins. We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
Comments