It is a very blunt teaching that I read in Numbers 35:33 this morning.
“…murder pollutes the land. And no sacrifice except the execution of the murderer can purify the land from murder.”
Yes, I know that some will say that God decreed this law so that social chaos would not result from unpunished bloodshed.
There was more to v. 33 than preserving social order, though.
Because God is holy and just, the land over which He would preside was to be characterized by holiness and justice.
If He were to look the other way when murder occurred rather than require just retribution against the person with blood on his or her hands, then God’s claim of holiness would have been a lie.
The children of Israel very quickly chose to ignore God’s standards of justice, however, and within just a few generations, social order collapsed and it was every man for himself.
What is happening in Mexico now with the plague of grisly murders and the failure of government to hold culprits responsible is a prime example of what happens when murderers operate with impunity.
Let’s bring this closer to home.
When I read verses like Numbers 35:33 and when I consider the fact that it is my sinful choices that Jesus died for on the cross, then I realize that I am the murderer.
I didn’t attack Jesus with an axe or with a gun, but there is no doubt that my choice to sin was the same as picking up the nail and hammer.
The fact is that Jesus should be the One standing over my sprawled-out body with the nail and hammer in His hands.
I should be the one executed, not Jesus.
Jesus chose to take my punishment, though, in order to “purify the land” of my heart and soul.
Knowing that, I will serve Him and encourage others to embrace the One who was executed in their place in order to purify the land of their hearts and souls from the stains of sin.
Will you pledge to do the same?
As always, I love you
Martin
