Daily Devotions
Hebrews
"He is required... to offer sacrifices for sins."
Text: Hebrews 5:3
STRICT REGULATIONS
It is not difficult to understand why there should be strict regulations surrounding the ministry of the high priest. Much is involved and much is also at stake. Two aspects may be observed.
1. The holy name of God is involved and at stake:-
a) A poor regard for God would lead to great dishonour to His name (Cf. Malachi 1-2).
b) A poor regard for the worship of God would lead to rejection (Cf. Isaiah 1:13-15).
2. The safety and blessings of the worshippers are at stake:
a) A poor regard of God results in a withdrawal of essential blessing.
b) A disdain of that which God regarded as holy results in corrective action taken.
SACRIFICES FOR SIN
Sin was the plague and the bane of the children of Israel. Their predisposition to backslide, to rebel and to turn to idolatry was a nightmare to the priests and the prophets of God (Cf. Psalm 78). Provision had to be made for the sins of the people. Unfortunately, the high priest himself was not always blameless.
“Because of this he is required as for the people,
so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins.”
Hebrews 5:3
1. Because of this
a) Sin is never taken lightly (at any time).
b) Sin necessitates proper response from the sinner.
2. He is required
a) Sacrifices for sin must be made on behalf of the people.
b) Sacrifices for sin must also be made for the high priest himself.
The following text well illustrates this point made. At the consecration of Aaron and his sons the following instructions came from God Himself.
“And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying:
‘Take Aaron and his sons with him…
A bull as the sin offering…'”
Leviticus 8:1-2