THE SIN & TRESPASS OFFERINGS (Lev 4.1-6.7 cont.)

Notice that we have a clear division in the trespass offering.

Trespass in the holy things of the Lord (5.15)

This trespass in the holy things of the Lord could be related to the sacrifices of the tithing. Examples of the parallel in our day would be withholding what is due to the Lord in thanksgiving and worship, or indeed, failing to give of our substance for maintaining all the responsibilities which are involved in the work of the assembly. This includes the upkeep of the hall, support to the widows indeed and the poor among us, Sunday school and gospel work. We should give as the Lord has prospered us. The late John Douglas once said, "If we do not give in measure of our income, the Lord may step in to reduce our income to the measure of our giving". Meanness is a bad advert for God "that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not" (Jas 1.5), and of whom the Psalmist wrote, "Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing" (Ps 145.16).

Trespass against a neighbour (6.2)

A sin or trespass against our neighbour is still a sin against the Lord. Let us consider first the sin of lying and deceiving. It is sad if one sees this practised in principle by those from whom higher principles are rightly to be expected. The trespass here is in lying and deceiving about a thing taken, or of things found, and even of things given to them to keep. The sin of Ziba (2 Sam 16.2) was to speak eloquently about things that he never gathered or prepared, and yet made them appear to be his own.

There is another way we could fail in our witness. "And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whither he has seen or known of it; if he do not utter it (is silent), then he shall bear his iniquity" (5.1). We should not be talebearers, spreaders of gossip, or bearers of false stories. However, if there be something dishonouring to the Lord, and damaging to the testimony, it would be right and proper to report the matter to spiritual leaders who would be expected to get things put right. That is what the house of Chloe did (1 Cor 1.11) when they reported to Paul the disputes and contentions that were damaging the assembly in Corinth. They were not tale bearing, but spoke out of genuine grief and concern. Other sad matters were "reported commonly" (1 Cor 5.1). The report must be true and judgment must be without prejudice or partiality. We should not, however, be quick to expose, where necessary, the conduct of those for whom we have little liking, but excuse and shelter our friends and families.

Another cause of failure may be in our witness before the world. At our workplace, while perhaps not going as far as Peter and denying our relationship with the Lord, we remain silent so as to avoid reproach, or possibly to get some gain or advantage. Shame on us if we are silent and fail to speak well of the One who suffered such loss and faced so much reproach for us.

Lack of separation from the world may also be the cause of failure (Lev 5.2-3). This is pictured in the touching of any unclean thing whether it be cattle, beast, creeping thing, and even the uncleanness of a man. All contact with the world is serious but not all serious to the same degree. This is the lesson I want us to get in the various things mentioned. The uncleanness of a man could be better than that of the cattle, and the cattle better than that of the beast, and the beast better than that of the creeping thing, but all are unclean and defile those who make contact. This trespass demands an offering to be brought. Believers will not seek the company of those who are found in places where large quantities of alcohol are consumed. The conversation and conduct which can be found there is defiling. But this can also be true in places that are more "refined". It is strange when saints are happy to enjoy their leisure hours willingly in the company of those who do not know the Lord and whose lives in every area are so much opposed to that which the Christian believes and practices. This is also defiling.

We continue to marvel at the kindness and thoughtfulness of our God who makes full provision for every exercise of our heart. If our heart is engaged with the manifold blessings that have been so lavishly showered upon us we can, in genuine gratitude, allow that sweet savour to ascend that will be pleasing in the holiness of His presence.

If defilement has burdened our heart with guilt we can come to Him in true repentance and willingness to make restitution. We can know restoration full and free, and enjoy acceptance and sweet communion again having no more conscience of sins, as well as perfect peace with God. Oh to live in the full good of all that has been secured for us by the Lord Jesus Christ, even as we journey on our desert way. To Him be the glory both now and for ever.

Concluded.