February 15 – Reading 46

FEBRUARY 15 – Reading 46

by Chris Rainey | February 15

“COME BACK NEXT YEAR”
(Leviticus 15:1 – 16:34)

And this shall be a statute forever for you, that atonement may be made for the people of Israel once in the year because of all their sins.” – Leviticus 16:34

 The Book of Hebrews draws a vivid contrast: the author says believers can now “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (4:16). No image could be more shocking for devout Jews than charging boldly into the Most Holy Place. – Philip Yancey, “Surveying the Wondrous Cross,” Christianity Today, May 27, 2009. 

“Access” can be described as the opportunity to interact with individuals or groups who hold significant power to make decisions. Often one has to have some level of importance in one’s own right, connections to the right people, or significant financial resources to gain the access needed to influence the desired outcomes in situations like policymaking, business negotiations, or community initiatives. Most people do not have this kind of access. Most people live with restricted access to the influence needed to make the changes they want to see in themselves or the world.

The Hebrew Bible called for the Israelites to observe various festivals throughout the year. Some festivals such as Passover looked back at what God had done for his people; other festivals like the Day of Atonement (Hebrew, Yom Kippur) in our reading today focused on the relationship itself by providing “atonement   . . . for you” to make you “clean . . . from all your sins” (15:30). On this one day of the year, the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, offer the sin offering for himself and the people, send the scapegoat into the wilderness, and all could feel the relief of forgiveness. On one day of the year, the high priest had access to God’s holy place to make atonement for the people. On one day of the year, they had peace with God. But for the rest of the year, they lived with their restricted access and the weight and guilt of their sins committed since the last Day of Atonement. For them, if there was a sin committed in the meantime, the high priest could only say, “Come back next year!” But for the Christian, the scriptures offer accessibility to God because Jesus has made a way. Rather than restricted access, anyone can now have privileged access through Jesus!

Application

• The New Testament book of Hebrews makes it clear that the restricted access has been lifted and believers can now approach God with confidence (Hebrews 10:19) because Jesus, the Great High Priest, offered himself as a spotless sin offering to take away sins.

• The once–a-year forgiveness offered on Yom Kippur has been superseded by the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus.

Reflections

Have you fully experienced the access God has given you to enjoy his presence, or do you remain at a distance from God? 

Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, In the name of Jesus, we thank You for the gift of atonement through Christ, who paid the price for our sins on the cross. As we reflect on this text about Yom Kippur, help us understand the depth of Your mercy and the power of Christ’s sacrifice. Let us experience the freedom that comes from knowing our sins are forgiven, and guide us to extend that same forgiveness to others. We revel in our access to your presence, and we embrace Your promise of a new beginning. In Jesus’ name, Amen.