Scripture Read: Leviticus 16 - 17
Title: The Day of Atonement H.E.A.R. Entry (H) Highlight verse: "The goat shall bear all their iniquities on itself to a remote area, and he shall let the goat go free in the wilderness" Lev. 16:22 (E) Explain: In Chapter 10, we read about the death of Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu. We are told they offered "unauthorized Fire" or "Profane Fire" and were killed in the presence of the LORD for this act. We are not sure what they actually did, some have suggested they entered the Holy of Holies at the wrong time. Chapters 11 - 15 deal with ritual purity or cleanliness laws for the health and well-being of the people of Israel. Chapters 16 & 17 deal specifically with the Day of Atonement. Modern Jews refer to this as Yom Kippur. This day is considered the holiest day of the year. A sacrifice was made at the tabernacle that was for the atonement of the sins of Israel. This day was set aside as a a day where people would receive forgiveness of sins because of the sacrifice of the Bull and goat. We see in this day that God is serious about sin and the atonement process should not be taken lightly. (A) Application: The key word for today is atonement. According to J Gresham Machen, "In these passages the meaning of the word (atonement) is clear. God has been offended because of the sins of the people or of individuals among His people. The priest kills the animal which is brought as a sacrifice. God is thereby propitiated, and those who have offended God are forgiven." However, the doctrine of the atonement for us today is more ambiguous, but could be defined as Jesus Christ died on the cross of Calvary for our sins and as a result fulfilled the old sacrificial system. There is no longer need to offer animal sacrifices for our sins, because Jesus has become the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity. In even simpler terms Jesus died on the cross and because of this He has made a way for all who believe in Him to receive forgiveness. (R) Respond: God has made a better way through Jesus Christ. Thank God today for Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross, because we are now forgiven in Jesus Christ.
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Scripture Read: Leviticus 8 - 9
Title: Aaron and his sons are ordained/consecrated for the priesthood. H.E.A.R. Entry (H) Highlight verse: "It will take seven days to ordain you. As has been done today, the LORD has commanded to be done to make atonement for you. " Lev. 8:33b - 34 (E) Explain: The book of Leviticus is a book of of the Levitical laws. The book focuses on the legal, ritual and moral practices more than doctrinal. Chapters 1 - 7 detail five offerings that God commands Moses and the priests to perform. I won't detail each offering (you can read them on your own if you wish) They are...
(A) Application: When you look back at the institution of how people made atonement for their sins it is apparent that this was not a fun and encouraging process. It was bloody, messy and costly. I think about the process people went through just to be assured that their sins were forgiven was not one that people entered lightly. But for us today this reminder of the atonement process should remind us of two things... 1) Sin is real. 2) The consequences of sin resulted in death. Fortunately for us today we do not need to make physical animal sacrifices to atone for our sins, but this should not mean that we take sin less seriously. We need reminding daily that Jesus offered himself as our sin offering at the cross of Calvary. His sacrifice was messy and bloody, but the end result was atonement. Jesus loves us so much that he became the ultimate sacrifice for humanity so we could do away with animal sacrifice. The shed blood of Jesus atoned for our sins so that we no longer have to make atonement for ourselves. This, of course, does not excuse us to sin whenever and however we want, in fact just the opposite is true. Since Jesus gave his life as an atonement for you and me, we should be more guarded against sins, because his death is not a "get out of hell free" card that we can flash at God every time we willingly or unwillingly sin. Jesus gave all, so we can have it all. So let's commit to living our lives for Him as disciples who are forgiven, but not free to live as we please. (R) Respond: Thank you Jesus for giving your life on the cross as an atonement for sin. Thank you that you were the perfect and ultimate sacrifice. May the severity of your death on the cross be a constant reminder to me that sin is costly and it cost you everything. |
Jeff has been in full-time ministry for thirty years. He currently serves as Executive Director at Anchor House Ministry at SeaPort Manatee in Palmetto, FL and he is a part-time Campus Pastor at West Bradenton Southside in Bradenton, Florida.
Jeff Has authored A Lent Devotional (A Spiritual Journey to Lent) an Advent Devotional (The Advent of Jesus) and a devotional on the book of James (James: Where Faith and Life Meet). All three are available on Amazon. He is married to Carrie and they have four children, Micaiah, Gabe, Simon, and Berea. Preview or purchase Jeff's Books
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