Leviticus Selections

Leviticus 4:2.
"Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'If a person sins unintentionally in any of the things which the LORD has commanded not to be done, and commits any of them...
13.
'Now if the whole congregation of Israel commits error and the matter escapes the notice of the assembly, and they commit any of the things which the LORD has commanded not to be done, and they become guilty...
22.
'When a leader sins and unintentionally does any one of all the things which the LORD his God has commanded not to be done, and he becomes guilty...
27.
'Now if anyone of the common people sins unintentionally in doing any of the things which the LORD has commanded not to be done, and becomes guilty...
5:1.
'Now if a person sins after he hears a public adjuration to testify when he is a witness, whether he has seen or otherwise known, if he does not tell it, then he will bear his guilt.
15.
"If a person acts unfaithfully and sins unintentionally against the LORD'S holy things, then he shall bring his guilt offering to the LORD : a ram without defect from the flock, according to your valuation in silver by shekels, in terms of the shekel of the sanctuary, for a guilt offering.
17.
"Now if a person sins and does any of the things which the LORD has commanded not to be done, though he was unaware , still he is guilty and shall bear his punishment.

It was difficult to select a passage of verses from this section, so I chose a selection instead. The common denominator in these verses is “now if a person sins” [insert appropriate situation here]. The scenarios cover unintentionally breaking a law, the entire congregation breaking a law, a leader breaking a law, offense against the holy thing, etc. What stood out to me as I read these chapters was that even as He gave the law, God knew that the Israelites would break it. He knew that even though He gave them the law to point the way to a good life, they would break His rules (just as He knew that I would sin against Him). And yet, God did not throw up His hands in disgust, as I would do, and give up. He still condescended to give the law to the Israelites. How patient, merciful, and kind He is!
What’s more, God knew the Israelites would sin and break His laws, so He made provision for them. Through sacrifice, He made a way for the people to atone for their sins and renew their relationship with Him. He knew that they would have to use the sacrificial system every day (they would sin every day), and yet He did not forsake them. This speaks to me of God’s love and grace. His love for mankind, for Israel, for people is far greater than I can comprehend! His lovingkindness is beyond my imagination! What a great God we have, that He would know in advance our stubbornness and waywardness; and still choose to hold on to us and shower us with His love.