Help Me to See

As my age increases, my eyesight decreases and I can’t stand it.

My friend needed glasses at an earlier age and she tried to explain to me what she saw. At that time, I didn’t understand everything being in a constant state of blurriness.

And now I do.

When I first put on my new prescription glasses, it was amazing to see things so sharply. Everything had an edge to it.

Without the glasses, I could maneuver and get by. With the glasses, I see the colors and shapes and details so much better. It adds beauty in my life that I didn’t know was missing.

I thought about this richness as I was reading Leviticus this morning.

There are rules, festivals, and sacrifices – so many sacrifices! The movie version of the ark is gold and shiny. After reading this book, I can only see it dripping in blood.

There is so much detail in the description of the sacrifices – who, what, when, how answered over and over again. I do not know how the priests kept it straight! Do I pour the blood – or sprinkle the blood? Which finger do I use? Is this for the sin offering? The guilt offering? For my sins? The peoples sins?

I have asked God to open my eyes and to let me see what He wants me to see when I read His word. Some things have come into focus.

God reminded the people again and again that He was the Lord, the One who brought them out of Egypt. He reminded them that they were chosen and they were to live differently than the people around them. They were to offer sacrifices to Him only. The sacrificed animal was to be perfect and without blemish.

Jesus was the final perfect sacrifice. One without sin who was sacrificed for my sins. His blood was splattered for my transgressions.

I think the Lord is showing me through Leviticus that on my own, I cannot atone for my sins. No matter how good I think I am or how clean I am, I am not able to pay for my own sins. Because I am not perfect.

But God. He made a way for you and me to be in a right relationship with Him. Jesus stepped in for us and was offered as the final and complete sacrifice for our sins. My sins are paid for – past, present and future.

When I focus in on this detail, I am overwhelmed at the love He has for me. I am so grateful and marvel at the detail, the beauty of this.

Do you know this beauty, this love? He made a way for us all to have eternal life with Him. Thank you, Jesus!