There are some things to wait to do but for this be quick to do…
The Lord is continuing to speak to Moses about Israel. The Lord has taught them how to worship Him (sacrifices), established Israel as a community (delivered Israel from bondage and organized them), and put them on mission (heading to promised land). This is important when the Lord talks about defilement we see in this chapter.
You may look at this as harsh but see it for what it is. The Lord was establishing a community who worship Him and live out a part of His mission. Look what He tells them to do in case of defilement, “”Speak to the children of Israel: ‘When a man or woman commits any sin that men commit in unfaithfulness against the Lord, and that person is guilty, then he shall confess the sin which he has committed. He shall make restitution for his trespass in full, plus one-fifth of it, and give it to the one he has wronged.” Numbers 5:6-7
Immediately after talking about what defiles someone He says: Confess, give restitution, and be restored. The Lord is not looking to condemn us but to save us. That’s why He sent His Son, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:17
What do you do when you have sinned? Run away from God, run away from others? That is what the enemy of our souls wants us to do. But the Lord wants us to run to Him and run into the community He has established, His church. He gave His Son so we can be restored and reconciled. There are some things to wait on but do not wait to run to Him and run into fellowship with others. Seek His face and be part of His community. He made a way; He is the way! By His grace. It was there in the Old Testament and it’s here today.
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.