Holiness and mercy

I have been studying the Old Testament since around the start of the year, trying to get a better grasp of the history of God's people Israel leading up to the birth of Christ. I'm hanging out in Leviticus and Numbers at the moment, reading them along with Matthew Henry's commentary and building a working understanding of the laws and sacrifices and ceremonies and procedures ordained by God at that time.

What continues to stand out is the combination of holiness and mercy. God is holy, perfect, set apart. No wicked thing can enter his presence, and He can tolerate no sin. He calls His people Israel to be holy as well, set apart from other nations because of His purpose for them. The consequences for sin are harsh. But He makes merciful allowances. Where He could have condemned, He offers atonement and second chances. He allows for poverty, asking only what the people are able to offer, not willing that any should perish. And, thousands of years down the line, along comes the Son of Man. The lepers who have for years shouted, "Unclean, unclean!" are healed by a touch of His hand. The woman who has bled and wept and wondered for over a decade is returned to community and fellowship again.

His holiness requires our holiness and can accept nothing less, but His mercy enables us to walk in holiness and provides a way for reconciliation.