“But I Didn’t Know!”
Scripture Reading — Leviticus 4:27-31
“If any member of the community sins unintentionally . . . and they realize their guilt . . . the priest will make atonement for them, and they will be forgiven.”
Rachel pulled Jon into her office to address his work performance. “Some of our clients have complained that you have come across as cold and unfriendly lately,” she said. “If this doesn’t change, we may have to evaluate your future with our company.” She didn’t know that Jon was going through a divorce and caring for his ailing mother. If she had known those things, she may have taken a gentler approach.
Sometimes we can hurt our neighbor or grieve God without even realizing it. For example, we can make a comment that is racially insensitive. We can donate to a cause that we later learn is not worthy of support. We can hurt people with unkind remarks or act impatiently when we are frustrated and tired. And although we might like to plead ignorance, that doesn’t mean we are not responsible for our actions.
Yet God graciously provides the remedy not only for our known sins but also for the ones we aren’t aware of. And today we have what Israel did not have: a better priest, who brings a better sacrifice! Jesus’ death on the cross pays for all our sins—once for all. All of our hurtful words, sinful thoughts, and insensitive actions that have not measured up to God’s standard are forgiven, even if we are not aware of them!
Lord, you see much more than we do, and yet your mercy is unfathomable! Thank you that in Jesus you remove our guilt so that we may be at peace with you. Amen.
About the author — Rob Toornstra
Rob Toornstra has served as the pastor of Sunnyslope Christian Reformed Church in Salem, Oregon, since 2005. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, he serves with International Theological Education Ministries, teaching pastors around the globe how to be effective preachers. He and his wife, Amy, have three children, and they enjoy all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
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