The Way Back

September 9th, 2025

Leviticus 1:1-4.

Because God is loving, God desires for us to find a way back to be in communion with God. Before Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, some other form of atonement was necessary. To show true remorse for the consequences of sin, a sacrifice was needed, something that carried weight. To a people wandering in a desert for an unknowable amount of time, through an unknowable terrain, livestock was essential to life. A perfect male was no small requirement for atonement.

It is easy to forget the gravity of Jesus’ sacrifice, and how simple it is for us to find our way back to God’s heart. The payment has been given; we do not need to present a perfect male animal on the altar. We just need to simply ask and accept.

Of course, following in the way of Jesus does not mean we are exempt from hardship and sacrifice, but those hardships and sacrifices are not essential for our salvation. The obedience we are demanded is for the advancement of the kingdom of God. Our atonement is freely offered and freely given.

Author: Lexi Sunberg