BIBLE READING: EXODUS 29, 30; MATTHEW 21:24-46
“And thou shall take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shall appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the Lord to make an atonement for your souls” Exodus 30:16 (KJV).
The Holiness of God demands that his children be holy as they minister to him. They are required to be clean that bear the vessel of service. The children of Israel were expected to bring atonement money. God set the same standard for the rich as well as the poor. The rich were not expected to give more neither were the poor expected to give less. Half a shekel was required from the rich and the poor. Salvation is the same requirement for everyone. God does not set different standards. He is a just God and he requires equal price for all.
The atonement of the rich was the same standard with the atonement of the poor. No one was expected to offer what he wants, but everyone rich or poor was expected to follow the pattern and guidance set by God.
Under the new covenant, God does not demand atonement offering from man. Jesus became our atonement. With one sacrifice he atoned for all. We are not required to bring ram, money or blood for our atonement. “For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” 1 Peter 1:18-19 (KJV).
What a great privilege to have Jesus pay for the debt we owed and offer redemption freely.
Prayer: Lord, help me not to take your grace for granted.
Rev. Vincent Diolu