Monday: In the Holy of Holies
Daily Lesson for Monday 20th of May 2024
Read Leviticus 16:1-34:21,29-34; Leviticus 23:26-32; and Hebrews 9:23-28. Why was the Day of Atonement so important in ancient Israel?
The priests ministered every day of the year, but on the Day of Atonement, called Yom Kippur in Hebrew, the eyes of all Israel turned toward the sanctuary. Leviticus 16:1-34 and 23 give explicit instructions for the Day of Atonement. All regular activity ceased. Everyone fasted. While the high priest entered the presence of God for them in the Most Holy Place, the people examined their hearts. They sought God in humility and heartfelt confession.
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Anyone who was not “afflicted” on the Day of Atonement would be “cut off,” no longer part of the chosen people (Leviticus 23:27,29). On the Day of Atonement, the high priest took the blood of the Lord’s goat into the sanctuary and, after sprinkling it on the mercy seat, applied the blood to the horns of the golden altar and of the brazen altar, completely cleansing the entire sanctuary. When he had made “an end of reconciling,” the high priest placed his hands on the live goat and confessed Israel’s sins. Then it was led into the wilderness to be separated from the camp forever (Leviticus 16:20-22).
The blood was transferred into the sanctuary during the daily services, showing the recording of sin (Jeremiah 17:1) and God’s taking responsibility for its ultimate disposition. Now, on the Day of Atonement, it was transferred out of the sanctuary and placed on the head of the scapegoat Azazel, representing Satan and revealing his ultimate responsibility for the sin problem.
This goat was led far into the wilderness so that, at the close of the Day of Atonement, God had a clean sanctuary and a clean people. In the heavenly sanctuary, Christ ministers for us first in the Holy Place, and now, in the Most Holy Place since 1844, at the end of the 2,300 days.
We will get through this great judgment because of Jesus, our Substitute. As Ellen G. White said, we are “justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 25. As a result of this righteousness—credited (imputed) to us—we afflict our souls, which is a turning away from sin. That means we have not come to a comfortable acceptance of evil nor are we excusing or clinging to cherished sins. Instead we are growing in grace and living a life of holiness.
What is the significance of the Day of Atonement in our lives today? Why should it make a difference in how we live?
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There are two main parts to the Temple services.
There are five specifics in the Torah regarding Yom Kippur observance:
Perhaps, in our reflection on how we have applied this to Jesus' current ministry in heaven, we should consider the importance of not just the last point but the other points.
We are going to have a lot of difficulty proving that Jesus is ministering for us in heaven if we don't live in the joy and strength of that knowledge now.
For the Jews, Yom Kippur ultimately became part of their national identity, observed and celebrated by observant and non-observant Jews alike. It was more a national day like Independence Day or Australia Day, rather than a time of reconciliation.
For us as Christians, who believe that Yom Kippur prefigured Christ's heavenly ministry, we may need to think more about the reconciliation and commitment aspects of that ministry and not just think of it as another doctrine in our book of beliefs.
Thank you for sharing this . But why Christian now don't practice Yom Kippur, specially the 5 specific observance you mentioned. It seems we will be more closer to Him, specially these present confusing world where we are. Though daily living with Jesus Christ can be count on. ❤️
We have a prayer meeting weekly church service, all where we ask for forgivness and repentence, and a new beginning. We have private and family devotion daily, and and ordinence of humility, or called communion if you prefer, all combined taking the place of Yom Kippur. Also campmeeting and women's and men's retreat are available, and others, Oh yes, the Christian oriented meeting for our children, Pathfinder's, and other organized services. And yes, Sabbath School study where reflection, reconciliation, and thoughts of God take place, daily and weekly. Every Sabbath is special. We sacrifice our offerings and help others, including the family of God. I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God, I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod. For I'm a part of the family, the family of God. 🙏
I do believe Yom Kippur for us is what we make it. Just like when we walk into our Christian organization meetings, the people are as friendly as we make it. Are we active Christians in our orginisation? Do we reflect our faith? These are questions we have to answer personally, and act not only on a individual basis, but as a group in unison, at least in agreement.
The issue is that it could become just a cultural observation rather than a change of heart.
Isaiah tells us quite strongly what God thinks of cultural observation:
That is pretty strong language.
Which bible translation is MSG?
It is “The Message” an idiomatic paraphrase in contemporary language by Eugene Peterson.
Here are some answers that I hope you will find helpful is the Day of Atonement significant in our lives today? How can it impact the way we live?!
Reflection and Repentance: Just as in ancient times, Yom Kippur is a day for self-examination, repentance, and seeking forgiveness1. It’s a time to reflect on our actions over the past year, make amends where necessary, and commit to improvement1.
Fasting and Prayer: The practice of fasting on Yom Kippur is a form of self-denial that helps us focus on spiritual matters and express our dependence on God. It’s a time to set aside worldly concerns and focus on prayer and our relationship with God.
Atonement and Forgiveness: Yom Kippur reminds us of the need for atonement and the forgiveness that comes from God. It’s a time to seek reconciliation with God and with others.
Symbolism of Christ’s Sacrifice: For Christians, the Day of Atonement is seen as a foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross3. Jesus is viewed as the ultimate high priest who entered the heavenly Holy of Holies once and for all to make atonement for humanity’s sins3. This understanding can deepen a Christian’s appreciation for the grace and forgiveness offered through Christ3.
Holiest Day of the Year: Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day of the year in the Jewish calendar2. It’s a day when people are closest to God and the essence of their souls2.
In terms of how it should make a difference in how we live, the Day of Atonement serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation in our daily lives. It encourages humility, self-examination, and the seeking of forgiveness. It also underscores the importance of our relationships—with God and with each other—and the need to maintain those relationships through love, respect, and understanding
Every day we receive new mercies. To examine one's heart with prayer asking the Holy Spirit to reveal everything that is enmity against God should be a daily endeavor. Our lives are a vapor. Confession and repentance is part of my morning and evening worship because we are required to make our calling and election [salvation] certain. We are under the New Covenant established by Christ's death and resurrection signifying that He is our High Priest. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find Grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
All this earthly liturgy ceased when Jesus died on the cross. I have never seen any Christian church emphasizing Yom Kippur in their worship services. But this could be an opportunity for us to individually and intimately remember this practice for our purification - the true Lamb's blood can take away all sin. May we consider today a day of abstention, prayer, and forgiveness because Jesus died and is now in Heaven, judging and pleading for us.
remember this was all the shadow of things that were about to come and in this case, it was pointing to Jesus Christ so after His death on the cross we have now our high priest who is Jesus and we no longer need to offer sacrifices of goats or Lamb to ask for forgiveness because we have JESUS.
Now I understand the meaning of the ritual observed as the 'Day of Atonement' better. I did not know that all the sins confessed by the individuals over the span of a year were addressed at this ritual ceremony on the Day of Atonement -
“The blood was transferred into the sanctuary during the daily services, showing the recording of sin, and God's taking responsibility of its ultimate disposition" – Jer.17:1.
On the Day of Atonement confessed sins were transferred by the high priest via the blood of the Lord’s goat into the Most Holy Place. All these sins where then transferred to the goat ‘led into the wilderness to be separated from the camp forever' – Lev.16:20-22, as the people were called to earnestly search their heart for remaining, unconfessed sins still to be confessed.
This then gives the context to the warning in Lev.23:29 that “any person who is not afflicted in soul on that same day shall be cut off from his people. This day must have been a remarkable experience for all of Israel in the time when temple services were still performed. Even now, without the temple and priests performing the ritual, it is still the most holy day of the Jewish people who seek atonement through confession and repentance.
This principle of forgiveness through confession is still applicable today. It shows how important genuine confession was and still is to keep our relationship with God ‘clean’. Everyone confessing faith in Jesus Christ and the Word of God ought to do so through earnest, heartfelt, daily contrition and thanksgiving; we should never neglect this aspect of our faith.
I learned a new word_Yom Kippur
More prayers for my husband who is still having serious back pains..May God heal him In Jesus' Mighty Name.
Amen and Amen