Torah Portion: Leviticus 1:1-6:7
Vayikra (‘And he called’)
The recent reconfiguration of a local road layout resulted in a friend of mine receiving a penalty fine notification. He had unwittingly driven his car into an area now reserved for buses. This error, though having no serious consequences, was recorded by the traffic cameras to my friend’s detriment.
That incident mirrors a more significant aspect of spiritual life. It points to sin arising without there being awareness of it being committed.
Unintentional Sin
The opening chapters of Leviticus, having prescribed the burnt, grain and peace offerings, then move to detailing the sin and trespass offerings. It is in the context of these last two that attention is drawn to sins committed through a lack of awareness. Leviticus 4 starts: “The LORD said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites: “When anyone sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the LORDS’s commands…”’” (emphasis added - “sin through ignorance”, KJV). This aspect of sinning ‘unintentionally’ is repeated four further times (Lev 4:13, 22, 27, 5:14).
The provision of sacrifices in respect of sin arising from such circumstances highlights certain factors which need to be noted.
1. Oblivious
The scenarios described in these verses regarding unintentional sin show that we are not always aware of our failure to be “blameless and pure as children of God” (Phil 2:15). It is for that reason that John urges us to “walk in the light, as He is in the light” (1 John 1:7). Sadly, we all fail in that respect. Those verses in Leviticus 4 and 5 indicate that no-one is immune. Several groups are specified by Moses: “Anointed priest…whole Israelite community…leader…member of the community” (verses 3, 13, 22, 27).
2. Others
Sadly, this unintentional sin is often unrecognised by ourselves and we have to be told by others. The phrase repeated in this passage: “When he is made aware of the sin he committed…” (4:23, 28; NIV) indicates that it was other people who drew attention to sin being committed. Similarly, James wrote: “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back…” (James 5:19).
3. Offering
The offerings prescribed to cover unwitting sins serve as a salutary reminder that God is holy and pure; He cannot countenance sin, however it may have arisen. As the Prophet Habakkuk declared: “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing” (Hab 1:13). Yet this provision of offerings points not only to God’s holiness but also to His mercy. God’s compassion provides a means by which such sin can be brought out into the open and atoned for.
How to Pray
The Psalmist was aware of such sin in his own life. He offered no mitigating circumstances or excuses. His prayers to God are ones which we can take for ourselves: “But who can discern his own errors? Forgive my hidden faults” (Ps 19:12). “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps 139:23, 24).
This time of national and international crisis underlines more than ever our need for God to search us in this way. Are you asking?
Author: Stephen Bishop
