Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

When Leaders Fall Read Leviticus 4:1-35 When a leader sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the commands of the LORD his God, he is guilty. Leviticus 4:22 Adultery, molestation, gay relationships, embezzlement of funds and abuse of power are offensive to God but exist in the church. Sadly some of the offenders are among the leaders. Their fall shatters the faith of the flock who look upon them as models of godly servanthood. In this chapter God provides regulations for sin offering because He knows that His people are prone to evil. Not long after the Ten Commandments were given, the people managed to sway Aaron, the priest to make them a golden calf as their gods. It shows that all people, from the anointed priest to the ordinary folk, have the capacity to sin. While nowadays people tend to make light of sin, it is a serious matter to God because it is a direct affront to His holiness. The offender needs an animal sacrifice to make atonement for his sin and receive God’s forgiveness. Only the shed blood of the animal can make him clean. Notice that the higher the position of the offender, the stiffer the requirement is. God demands more from the priest and the leaders of the people. They are supposed to guide and lead the people to live holy lives before Him. They ought to know better than the common people. Interestingly only the sin offering of an ordinary person earns God’s praise (v 31). Compare this to Jesus’ response to the tax collector’s prayer (Luke 19:9). Jesus made himself a perfect sin offering for us through His death on the cross. The forgiveness we receive in His name should never be treated lightly. He warns us that from 'everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded' (Luke 12:48). Pray for our church leaders that they will lead blameless lives. What are the consequences when leaders fall?