On that day offerings of purification will be made for you, and you will be purified in the Lord's presence from all your sins. Leviticus 16:30 NLT
In Bible study, we have been working through the book of Leviticus. Last night, we discussed the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, and the holiest day in Judaism. In ancient times, the High Priest, in Leviticus this was Aaron, performed an annual prescribed service in the tabernacle, obtaining forgiveness for all of Israel.
On that day, Aaron would perform ritual acts of purification before going into the Most Holy Place, where the Ark rested and the presence of God dwelt. Aaron would take two goats, one to use as sacrifice and the other to symbolically place the sins of the people and let them outside of the camp into the wilderness. He would then offer a sacrifice first for himself, then another for the people.
Reflecting on the connections between Yom Kippur and Good Friday is appropriate as we approach Holy Week. As Christians, we believe that Jesus became our ultimate High Priest. By his bloodshed, he became the sacrificial Lamb and the scapegoat who takes away our sins. In offering himself for us, the need for the annual sacrifice was fulfilled; by his bloodshed, we obtained eternal redemption. And on that day, that Easter morning of his resurrection, he entered the heavenly tabernacle, giving us direct access to God the Father.
Although Jesus has done all that for us, there is still a requirement. That covenant relationship has been replaced by a new one of blood and water. The blood represents the covenant's cost, while the water symbolizes cleansing and renewal. Together, they form the bedrock of our faith—a covenant sealed by love and sacrifice. The new covenant begins with our acceptance that Jesus is the Messiah who came.
As Jesus was baptized, he washed his disciples' feet, and the water and blood flowed from his side; we, too, are to be cleansed by the water. At the Last Supper, Jesus declared the cup of wine as his blood of this new covenant—a profound shift from the old sacrificial system to a once-for-all atonement through Christ's blood.
That day is both a time in the past and the present. That day is when we gave ourselves to Jesus, and every day since. It is an acknowledgment of His mighty gift of redemption and our need for Him.
Gracious God, we thank you for the day Jesus became our High Priest, the sacrificial Lamb, scapegoat, and pure and perfect offering. We lift our hearts to You; let the crimson flow of forgiveness wash over us. May our souls be as white as snow, our guilt erased, and our hearts made whole. We confess our failings and hidden sins and lay them at Your feet. We bow in awe, knowing that through Christ's blood, we are made new. Our past is forgiven, our future redeemed. Lord, cleanse us. Make us vessels of Your grace. Let our lives reflect the atonement made On That Day. May we walk in righteousness, guided by Your love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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