Numbers 19

Devotional:
“Here is another legal requirement commanded by the Lord: Tell the people of Israel to bring you a red heifer, a perfect animal that has no defects and has never been yoked to a plow. Give it to Eleazar the priest, and it will be taken outside the camp and slaughtered in his presence. (Numbers 19:2-3).

We read here about a sacrifice in which the people were to bring a red cow, one without defect or blemish, to serve as a sin offering, with the priest offering this sacrifice outside the camp. Sin demands punishment, but God offers forgiveness through sacrifice. There are parallels between this sacrifice and the sacrifice of the Son of God (see Hebrews 9:13 and 13:13). God required frequent sacrifice to ensure His forgiveness to point us forward to the final sacrifice in the crucifixion of His son, Jesus, who is able to forgive our sins in a way that animal sacrifice never could (see Hebrews 9:26 and 10:4). You don’t need to bring your prized cow to church to have your sins forgiven. All you need to do is accept the gift that’s freely given by God. Thank Him today for that gift!

Pray it:
Father, I confess that I am unclean and unworthy to draw near to you, but I praise you for making me clean and washing me through Jesus Christ. Help me to remember your purifying work in my life and my ability to draw near to you because of Jesus. Amen.

Share it:
Who is someone you can share a verse or thought from this passage with?