Convenient Grace

Warning: not for the faint of heart or those who recently downed a Whopper.

So when was the last time you visited your local slaughterhouse to watch the butchering of a young steer? Not exactly your typical spectator sport.

I happened to be reading Leviticus today. I know...the only books of the Bible a Christian really needs to read are the Gospel of John, Romans, and maybe Revelation if you are concerned with the signs of the times, but I strayed beyond the norm.

Every time an Israelite broke a law (and their list of laws make the life of an ATI home-schooler look like cake), he had to show up at church with a steer, sheep, goat, or, if he was poor, a couple doves. Then, while placing his hand on his calf’s head, the priest would unsheathe his knife and slit its throat, right there in the doorway. Then it was a whole system of skinning, gutting, quartering, burning raw flesh, and sprinkling blood.

Now, if I had to go through that process every time I disobeyed God, I think I would be a much better behaved individual. I mean, that’s a lot of work and time to go through that whole process. Not to mention revolting! Thankfully, for you and me, we fold our hands, close our eyes, and mutter a few words of confession and ask for forgiveness. Done. Terminado. Move on with life.

Oh God, how I forget the pain, the suffering; the price that was paid on behalf of my sins!