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"If the whole Israelite community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord's commands, even though the community is unaware of the matter, they are guilty." Leviticus 4:13

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It is possible for a community to sin, and to do so without realizing it. Even so, their guilt is real, whether they are aware of it, or not.

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Sometimes the blood and guts of the Old Testament troubles me. I think it all seems so unfair, but I think that's because I have a naive view of sin and guilt. Of course, sin is something I do occasionally: I blow it, or I mess up. I tend to forget that sin is so much more serious than that. And what it ultimately cost God. The Cross helps me keep everything in perspective. It was horrific—a blood sacrifice of God in the flesh. Then there's guilt. It's a feeling I have, right? Not according to this passage. It's real. It exists regardless of whether I feel it. Again, I'm back at the Cross. Even if I don't feel it, I can see what my guilt look like—really look like on the Cross. Maybe that's the point of all the bloodiest passages in Scripture. If not for the Cross, I'd be right in the middle of it all.

P
Dear Lord, thank you for taking my sin and guilt on yourself. Please let the Cross always remind me of how much you love me.