Have you done something wrong, knowingly or unknowingly? Just because we do not know we have done wrong, it does not mean we are correct. In fact God tells us, even if we do not know we have done wrong, when we find out we did wrong (past tense) we are guilty now (present tense) of the wrong we did - even if we did not know we did wrong. That is amazing. You probably ask: how can I be wrong for what I did not know was wrong? Because it is in one of those issues in life, we must all learn about. For example; wrong behaviour is only wrong, when you find out it is wrong behaviour. Yes, somethings we know are wrong, because our conscience tells us that they are wrong. What if our conscience does not tell us we are wrong? That is where this verse comes in. When you find out, you were wrong in what you did, you now are guilty. In this way God makes sure that we continue to be challenged and improve on behaviour that we once thought was normal. It is actually a bit of a dilemma. Others can see our faults, yet we cannot see that as a fault - but perhaps as a response to a current situation. Lev 4: 2, 22, 27 is a priest (2), a leader (22), any person (27); so all at every level of society, are guilty when they find out they have sinned. Some find this very hard to accept, but it is true. When something is brought to our attention, that we did wrong in the past, even if we thought we were right and justified, we are upon finding out that we were wrong, we are required to admit our fault. The normal reaction would be - No, I was not wrong! I was justified. God never pricked my conscience it was wrong! Christian behaviour is; Yes, I am sorry. I was unaware it hurt you, or I was unaware I did wrong to others, I apologise and I will not do it again. That is the Godly way. Numbers 5: 6 calls it breaking faith with God; and that person realises his guilt with God - so there is here another clear statement that there is a realisation of guilt after the fact. It is here that we can realise the depth of our walk with God; that neither you nor others may see a certain type of behaviour as wrong; but when you learn more and more the Word of God, you realise that certain behaviour does not conform to the image of Christ. It is when we find out what we did was wrong, that we are able to rectify it. I want to encourage all people, to aim high for the gift of leadership. As you aim high, there will be setbacks. Always challenge yourself to try harder, to do better. There is always a right time, and not every time is right for you. But one day it will be your time to be a leader. Failing and falling is a part of leadership. Look at each and every Biblical leader. And also look at how they rose back up again; aspiring to leadership. Remember Jesus’ words in Lk 22:31-32. Strengthen those, who failed, as you did, or like you did. Don’t give up on yourself; God will not.
MCC Admin
23 Tishrei 5781