“Then the Lord said to Moses, 27 “Be careful to celebrate the Day of Atonement on the tenth day of that same month—nine days after the Festival of Trumpets. You must observe it as an official day for holy assembly, a day to deny yourselves and present special gifts to the Lord. 28 Do no work during that entire day because it is the Day of Atonement, when offerings of purification are made for you, making you right with the Lord your God. 29 All who do not deny themselves that day will be cut off from God’s people.” Leviticus 23:26-32 NLT
“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”” Matthew 27:50-54 NIV
Holy God,
Only Aaron could enter the Holy of Holies one day a year exactly as God had ordered. Moses sons died because they did not follow Gods instructions. The burnt offerings enabled them to come to You, God and be Your people but not know You personally. A curtain and death from sin separated them from You. Not all the blood of animals or scapegoats could completely atone. This was the most important festival and ensured they could continue for another year with You, God.
For us the resurrection is the most important moment in history. Jesus was the only one who could go into Your presence God, pure and sinless. Matthew, Mark and Luke all include the detail of the curtain of the Temple being torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45). It was such a profound historic event. The way to the Holy of Holies, Your presence God, was opened because of Jesus. If he had not risen we would not have known there was life after death.
The day of Atonement taught the children of Israel to respect You God and the way they came to You and aware of their sin. We can now come boldly to the throne to obtain mercy and find grace (Hebrews 4:16). But perhaps we need to remember to respect and honour You along with the deep friendship we have through Jesus. And not take the Holy Spirit’s residence with us for granted. It cost Jesus everything.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 1st March 2025
Jesus shall take the highest honour
Jesus shall take the highest praise
Let all earth join heaven in exalting
The Name which is above all other names
Let’s bow the knee in humble adoration
For at His Name every knee must bow
Let every tongue confess He is Christ God’s only Son
Sovereign Lord we give You glory now
For all honour and blessing and power
Belongs to You belongs to You
All honour and blessing and power
Belongs to You belongs to You
Lord Jesus Christ Son of the living God
Repeat
Lyrics: Chris Bowater