First, the ashes of the red heifer (1-10). The people had to know how serious sin is. A red heifer was brought. It had no blemish. It was highly valued. It was perfect in appearance. It never knew the plowman's yoke. This perfect heifer had its blood sprinkled on the altar and was burned completely. Its ashes were used in purification rites. Everyone who dealt with the ashes had to purify themselves. Sin is toxic and contaminating and must be avoided at all costs. But if contaminated, God provided a costly means to be cleansed. Second, death is the final expression of sin in this world (11-22). When a person touched a dead body they were unable to approach God in worship. Death contaminated. It was the final result of sin in this world. Restoration of the person, tents, jars and furnishings could only be possible by applying a slurry of the ashes of the red heifer. The whole process was to emphasize how awful sin is.
Application: Lord, I become desensitized to sin. Thank you for reminding me to avoid sin as I follow you.
One Word: Be sensitive to the seriousness of sin