February 21st

Leviticus 14:33-16:34

Moses received instructions for the most important event of the year — the Day of Atonement (or Yom Kippur), when the High Priest went into the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant was, and made atonement for the sins of the people with the blood of a sacrifice. The High Priest was not allowed into that room at any other time of the year or he would die. It represented the presence of God on earth.

While the process itself is somewhat complicated, there are some key elements that warrant our attention. First, the fact that this event only occurred once a year, and that it had to happen a certain way, exalted the holiness of God in the eyes of the people. They could not enter His presence any time they wanted. “Warn your brother Aaron,” the Lord told Moses, “not to enter the Most Holy Place behind the curtain whenever he chooses; the penalty for intrusion is death” (16:3).

Second, the reason why the people could not approach God so freely was because of their sin. The sins of the people were defiling; their rebellion corrupted all they did (16:16). The gap between God and His people could not be any further. Thus, they could not approach Him and were in great need of atonement.

Third, the sins of the people were symbolically transferred to the scapegoat. When the priest laid his hands on the goat, he was, in essence, passing the sins of the people onto the animal. Then, the animal was led into the desert, a visual reminder of God’s forgiveness; their sins were no more. “After the man sets it free in the wilderness, the goat will carry all the people’s sins upon itself into a desolate land” (16:22). Christ is our scapegoat. Though He had no sins of His own, our sins were transferred to Him on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Finally, atonement for sin can only be achieved with blood. “Aaron must slaughter the goat as a sin offering for the people and bring its blood behind the inner curtain. Then, he will sprinkle blood on the atonement cover and against the front of the Ark” (16:15). The wages of sin is death; therefore, blood is the only acceptable offering for atonement.

Christ is our blood goat, our atonement. By laying down His sinless life on our behalf, He reconciled our sinful souls for all time. “These things were only a shadow of the good things to come; they could never, by the same sacrifices which they offered continually year after year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered? It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins; but, through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ, we have been sanctified once for all” (Hebrews 10:1-11).

Daily Reflection

How does this wonderful truth intersect with daily life? How should you live in light of what Christ has done for you?

If you are in Christ, you are a new creature. You can cease striving with God. You do not have to prove yourself to Him, perform for His favor, or earn your way into His presence. You are forever clean! Because of Christ you can rest.

BiAY.org | Day 52 — 313 Days to Go