Numbers 15:22-25 (ESV)

Originally published 09/02/2015

 God knows the difference between rebellion and mistakes. "But if you sin unintentionally, and do not observe all these commandments that the LORD has commanded you by Moses, from the day that the LORD gave the commandment, and onward throughout your generations, then if it was done unintentionally without the knowledge of the congregation, all the congregation shall offer one bull from the herd for a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD with its grain offering and its drink offering, and according to the rule, and one male goat for a sin offering. And the priest shall make atonement for all the congregation of the people of Israel, and they shall be forgiven, because it was a mistake,... "Numbers 15:22-25 (ESV). Mistakes reveal a lack of knowledge, inattention, or immaturity, while rebellion shows defiance and rejection of authority. It is the difference between accidentally hitting a car and ramming a car on purpose. In either case the car is damaged and correction must be made, but you will see the person who rammed your car on purpose as an enemy. God will convict you of rebellion to show you that you are an enemy of his. If you are trying to follow God and make a mistake, Satan will try to make you feel like you are an enemy of God. You will feel the same in either situation, but there is a big difference in your relationship to God. Lord, help me to know the difference between when you are trying to correct my mistakes and when I have chosen to disobey you.

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