| All of Israel is preparing for the solemn holiday of Yom Kippur, which this year begins on the eve of September 18th. Join us for a look at the depth of God’s foresight and provision for His people near and far.
“This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month you must deny yourselves and not do any work—whether native-born or a foreigner residing among you— because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins. It is a day of sabbath rest, and you must deny yourselves; it is a lasting ordinance.” (Leviticus 16:29-31)
On the day of atonement, the Lord commanded Aaron to sacrifice a goat for the sins of all of the Israelites.
“He shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people and take its blood behind the curtain and do with it as he did with the bull’s blood: He shall sprinkle it on the atonement cover and in front of it. In this way, he will make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the uncleanness and rebellion of the Israelites, whatever their sins have been…” (Leviticus 16:15-16a)
The sins were removed from the people and were placed upon an innocent animal, thereby separating the whole people from their sins. This act presages Jesus’ death on the cross; His death not only took away the sin of the whole world but its consequences as well.
What a powerful display of the full and complete finished work of Jesus on the cross. He is the Messiah, He is the promised one, and He has fulfilled all of the animal sacrifices in the Old Testament and the old sacrificial system. Jesus is God’s son and He can deliver. He can set free. And this is the great celebration of the Day of Atonement!
In this video, you will hear from Reverend Juha Ketola, ICEJ Senior Spokesman David Parsons, and Knesset Member Rabbi Dov Lipman explain the biblical and Jewish perspectives about the significance of the Day of Atonement.
Much grace and peace to you,
Your ICEJ Family |
