We learned last week about some of the rules God gave the Israelites for living and worshipping once the tabernacle was completed. These rules were designed to help the Israelites and to show them what it looked like to be holy like God (Leviticus 19:2). However, since God's people could never keep all of His rules perfectly, God made ways for the people to be forgiven when they sinned. These were called sacrifices and the people offered many sacrifices to take away their sins. The sacrifices God required pointed to a better plan. God sent His Son, Jesus, to be the perfect sacrifice. Jesus died on the cross, and takes away our sins when we trust in Him as our Savior. 

The Israelites had traveled out of Egypt, crossed the Red Sea, and had been journeying through the wilderness. They were almost to the land that the Lord had promised to their ancestors. When the Lord spoke to Moses and instructed twelve men to go inspect the land, the Israelites believed the fearful report of ten of the men. God punished the Israelites for their rebellion and their failure to trust Him. Like the Israelites, we disobey God and don't always trust Him. However, Jesus obeyed and trusted God completely. When we trust Jesus for salvation, we have forgiveness for our disobedience and the promise of eternal life.