Lev 16:30 - For on this day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the Lord. (NKJV)  

God in His holiness was continually distanced from His people. Their natural tendency to fall into the worship of unknown gods, and constant complaining caused this separation and distance. God being just, but yet full of mercy, had to set laws in place so He would not consume them with judgment. Moses was the messenger through whom God would deliver instructions back to the priests and elders to assist in the carrying out of His Law. To satisfy the atonement of the people, these statutes would have to be carried out through sacrifice, death and sanctity of blood. Aaron could feel the life pass out of the sacrifice that would substitute its life for their iniquity. Cleansing himself first through specific procedures, Aaron was able to approach God beyond the veil. He alone entered the Holy Sanctuary, seeking atonement for their sins. Approaching God’s glory, crying out before Him, laying all their transgressions on the alter. Praise God…forgiveness was offered yet one more time.

Jn 14:6 Jesus said to him, I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through Me.

Jesus is now our high priest, the Bread of Life, the Good Shepherd, the True Vine, the Light of the World, the Door, the Way, the Truth, the Life, and the Resurrection. Though our sinful nature still distances us from God (Rm 3:23), Christ intercedes for us, taking all our transgressions upon Himself. Offering for us the supreme sacrifice that makes our scarlet sin white as snow before the Father (Is 1:18). Seeking Christ’s forgiveness that we might live a life that does justly, loves mercy and walks humbly with God (Micah 6:8). Approaching God through prayer, as the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered (Rm 8:26). Praise God…forgiveness is offered yet one more day.  

Are we engaged in a life of love that expresses Jesus to the world around us? Do we find ourselves approaching the altar daily, seeking forgiveness, that we might be sanctified? Is our life an offering, a praise to God for the mercies He still offers today?

God’s blessings on your day!  

Bluffton North Ministry Group