SOAP 07/10/2014; Micah 6:7

Today's reading: Micah 5, 6, 7; Hebrews 7


S) "⁷ Does the Lord take delight in thousands of rams,
In ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I present my firstborn for my rebellious acts,
The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?"

Micah 6:7 (NASB)

O) There are many Bible verses that touch on this idea. Scriptures like 1 Samuel 15:22 or Psalm 50:7-15, remind us that the sacrifice is just a thing. The sacrifices were never meant to be a form of negotiation, but that is exactly how they became in the eyes of God's people. It's not much different today. The last line of Micah's point in this verse, paint the contrast in the most clear light. There is nothing physical that we can do that will atone for the spiritual transgressions of our sins. This point is driven home again by Jesus, when He points over and over to sin originating inside of us, in our hearts.

A) There is a tendency I have noticed, especially after I have sinned with something of an old struggle, or an obvious transgression. I tend to want to do, act, fix something. I have a tendency to want to take on some kind of penance. This verse is an excellent reminder that there is nothing I can offer in the physical for the sin in the spiritual. That's the bigger point. All sin is a failing in my soul that creates a spiritual debit, and there is nothing physical that I can do to gain credit. Righteousness was given to Abraham by his faith. It is my faith in Jesus, and the spiritual act of repentance, that washes me clean by the sacrifice Jesus Christ gave when He died on the cross in my place. Not only is it impossible for me to negotiate in physical terms for a spiritual debt, but it's impossible to negotiate a debt that has already been cleared.

P) Father, thank You, eternally. Your amazing grace cannot be overstated. I know that I cannot fully appreciate all that you have done for me, but what I can understand humbles me. The disconnect that I see between the sin of my soul, and the attempts of my flesh, highlights the grace of my redemption. I was so completely helpless, that nothing could save me except pure grace. Thank You for doing what I could never do. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.