February 18, 2024
Read Leviticus 5, Psalm 49, Hebrews 5
Years ago, a show aired called “What Would You Do?” Using hidden cameras, host John Quiñones observed and commented on how ordinary people behaved when they were confronted with dilemmas that require them either to take action or to walk by and mind their own business. The show had a variety of dilemmas that were setup from acts of racism to coworkers cheating and stealing their companies. John Quiñones would question the bystanders after the setup was over and ask them why or why not they got involved.
Here in Leviticus 5 we see a biblical mandate to do what this show put to the test in our culture. “If a person sins because he does not speak up when he hears a public charge to testify regarding something he has seen or learned about, he will be held responsible” v. 1. We see the law called it a sin to know something and yet sit in silence and do nothing. When Cain was confronted by God after killing his brother Abel, Cain responds, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” I think there is some responsibility that Leviticus teaches us to own.
A few verses later we see that we must also carefully consider the promises that we make and keep them to our highest level of intent. “Or if a person thoughtlessly takes an oath to do anything, whether good or evil—in any matter one might carelessly swear about—even though he is unaware of it, in any case when he learns of it he will be guilty” v. 4. The world makes so little of lying compared to other sins they commit, but God says it is a big deal. All these verses tell us we must carefully think through the big and little decisions we make in life. We must own up to our responsibility as children of God and as His representatives.
What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
Add your thoughts below.
DId God Really Say... 