Originally posted: 05/09/2019
Leviticus 12 is another chapter that leaves me with many unanswered questions. But one impression doggedly captured my thoughts; even in the midst of life’s most joyous occasions, we cannot escape the need for atonement and cleansing.
These laws of purification after childbirth were given to reinstate mothers back into ceremonial worship through the burnt and sin offerings; and although not explicitly stated, there are several truths reinforced, serving as His Reinforcing Reminders regarding man’s condition and need for atonement, and the grace and faithfulness of God.
Consider His Reinforcing Reminders
- His Reinforcing Reminder: The condition of man is sinful from birth.
- Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me, (Psalm 51:5).
- Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
- His Reinforcing Reminder: He Who established His covenant is faithful to keep it.
- “On the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised,” (12:3).
- His Reinforcing Reminder: There must be atonement for sin before one can approach Holy God.
- “When the days of her purification are completed, for a son or for a daughter, she shall bring to the priest at the doorway of the tent of meeting a one year old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering,” (12:6).
- His Reinforcing Reminder: In His great grace and mercy, He has provided the mediator to make atonement for all who would come by faith.
- “But if she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two young pigeons, the one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for her, and she will be clean,” (12:8).
How do we respond to His Reinforcing Reminders?
- The greatest joys and blessings do not remove the guilt of our sin or our need for salvation. We must never forget His Reinforcing Reminder of our condition apart from His saving grace.
- for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23).
- He is faithful to keep His covenant. Circumcision did not save a child; rather it was the outward sign of a people kept by their faithful covenant-keeping God. Partaking in the ordinances of believers’ baptism and communion do not save, but they do serve as His Reinforcing Reminders of His unending faithfulness to those who are His by His New Covenant through faith in Christ.
- Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” 15 But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness,” (Matthew 3:13-15).
- …the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me,” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
- We cannot approach Him in our own merit; His Reinforcing Reminders emphasize our need for His Mediator to make atonement on our behalf.
- For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, (1 Timothy 2:5).
Let us praise Him daily for His Reinforcing Reminders, that we would daily give thanks for His Perfect Provision for our atonement made by His Great Grace and Mercy!
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast, (Ephesians 2:8).
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so… (Psalm 107:1-2).