“Day of Atonement“

Leviticus 16:29–34 Easy: On the tenth day of the seventh month, Israel’s people must not eat any food. This is a rule that you must obey for all time. The people who are travelling with them must not eat any food. None of them must do any work. This day will make them clean from all their sins. The Lord will see them as clean people. This will be the Day of Atonement. It is a day when you do not eat any food. It is a day of rest. This is a rule from God and you must do this every year. The leader of the priests is a chosen son of Aaron. And he must make atonement. He will put on the special linen clothes that are holy. He will bring the people’s offerings. He will make atonement for the Most Holy Place. He will make atonement for the Tent of Meeting. He will make atonement for the altar. He will make atonement for the priests and for all the people. He will make atonement for all the Israelites’ sins once every year. This rule is for now and for all time.’ The people did everything in the way that the Lord had commanded Moses.

The priest’s actions make atonement not only for himself but for the whole community, and the sanctuary itself is purified. This teaches that forgiveness restores relationships, between people and God and among the community.  The Day of Atonement is set apart by fasting and rest, a yearly reminder that God’s people depend on his mercy. The ritual’s permanence points to God’s enduring plan to deal with sin and to make his people holy.

Dear Blessed Sovereign Lord, help me observe holy rhythms that draw me back to You; make Your mercy a living reality in my life. God of mercy, cleanse what is defiled in me and in my community; restore what sin has broken. Love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Your Mighty Precious Name Jesus Amen.