FEBRUARY 14 READING…EXODUS 31-32 & 2 CORINTHIANS 2
Our reading today reminds us that God is a God of forgiveness. The tabernacle itself is a message of God’s forgiveness. It is not a surprise to God that we humans would sin, and break His covenant. The tabernacle was designed to be a place where God’s people have an opportunity through obedience offer a sacrifice in recognition of their sin and failings. God gave the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant He made with Israel. The Sabbath is not the covenant, but a sign of the covenant. The Lord gave the law as a set of requirements for His people, knowing that His people would certainly violate the law. Part of the purpose for the law is to not only reveal what is acceptable to God, but to declare what the penalty will be when and if the law is violated. Of course, Israel breaks God’s covenant, bringing the wrath of God on the people. Moses intercedes for the people before God, though they are still disciplined for their violation of the covenant, Moses even offers atonement for the people…and God forgives. Though they still had to face the discipline and punishment of God.
In 2 Corinthians 2 Paul deals with the affect of sin on the church. Paul encourages the church to deal with the sin issue, and then to forgive and love the offender after it is dealt with. This is so that the sorrow would not destroy the individual, and bring harm to the church. Forgiveness is contagious, but so is unforgiveness. If we won’t forgive one another in order that Satan would not take advantage of any person or to the church as a whole. When forgiveness is given properly in Christ, this brings us victory in Christ. The point of sharing forgiveness reveals that we are sincere about the truth of God’s Word, and reveals the genuine heart of Christ.
Please share your thoughts.
TOMORROW’S READING…EXODUS 33-34 & 2 CORINTHIANS 3
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