Read Leviticus 16:1-34
Once a year, the high priest (starting with Aaron) would enter the most holy place where God’s presence was found. The process of forgiving sins would begin. Atonement is a big “churchy” word that means payment for sins to get right with God. As we see in our text, the Day of Atonement is when animals would be sacrificed to cleanse the people from their sins.
As Christians, we know that Jesus has accomplished this work for us, and the atonement for our sins is complete in him. Before Jesus came, this yearly process was repeated year after year for the forgiveness of sins. Today, the Jewish community still celebrates this holy day, now known as Yom Kippur. Animals are no longer sacrificed, but it is a day of fasting when Jews reflect on the past year and ask God for forgiveness for their sins.
There are a couple details from this reading that stood out to me. One is that we now know where the term “scapegoat” came from. And the other is the mystery behind who, what, or where Azazel was. Referring to “The Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible,” it seems there are three possible explanations for Azazel. (1) That the name describes the goat itself; (2) That the name describes the goat’s destination as a “sharp” rugged place; or (3) That this is the name of a demon inhabiting the desert, as is suggested in the book of Enoch, which controversially deals with fallen angels. Don’t let these details distract you. The overall theme of these instructions is forgiveness.
How often do you focus on your sins so that you can lay them at Jesus’ feet? Too many times we get caught up in our lives and don’t realize the sins we’re holding on to can become toxic and destructive in our lives. A yearly purging seems to be the design of the original instructions. In practice, we can confess our sins daily or hourly. Jesus has given us access to the Father.
Personally, I think confessing our sins intentionally and regularly is a wise choice. Why put it off receiving God’s forgiveness, his saving grace. I don’t know about you, but I can use all the grace I can get! The joy of being redeemed never gets old. Romans 5:1-2 says is well. “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.”
When Moses was given the instructions for the Day of Atonement, he would never in a million years have imagined the perks of being faithful as Paul describes here. Yet Moses had a reverent respect for God. It’s hard for us to imagine not knowing Jesus as our perfect sacrifice.
Take time to thank Jesus for all he did for us and focus on the saving grace that forgives, sustains, and draws us close to God.
Let’s pray. Father, I am beyond grateful that you desire a relationship with me. I am so filled with hope and peace as I face what this world offers knowing you are beside me. Never let me go. I cannot begin to fathom all that Jesus endured for me. Help me to never take you for granted. Forgive me for all that have done and said that are contrary to your will and desire for my life. May I stay focused on you alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
