Leviticus 16:34

On the annual Day of Atonement, the priest would place his hands on the head of the chosen goat symbolizing the transfer of the sins of the people onto the animal. Then the goat was released into the wilderness symbolizing the carrying away or removal of the sins of the people. This yearly ritual deeply embedded the reality to Israel that the sins of the people needed to be atoned for. And the reality that they could not atone for their own sins but that God had provided a way for those sins to be taken by a substitute and atoned for. This is what happens “once for all” after the cross when a person places their trust in Jesus Christ. Their sins are transferred onto Christ, who is our substitute, and His death is the means by which our sins are atoned for. Thank you Lord Jesus for being the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Thank you Lord that this does not have to be repeated annually, but in Jesus Christ “it is finished”!! AMEN 

PASSAGE: Leviticus 16:34 - “This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: Atonement is to be made once a year for all the sins of the Israelites.” And it was done, as the Lord commanded Moses.

PAUSE: The Day of Atonement was “THE DAY” when Israelites could experience forgiveness for their sins. It was a day of preparation, prayer, and humble repentance before God. How much more should we prepare our hearts as we draw near to The Passion of Christ on the cross for our sins?

PRAYER: Father, forgive me for taking the forgiveness of my sins lightly. Help me prepare my heart with deep reflection for the Passion of Christ this year!