This evening (Tuesday October 4th at sundown) begins Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement. The one day of the year when the High Priest would enter the holy of holies with sacrifices for himself and all of Israel. There were two goats, one for the Lord as an offering and the other a scape goat, where all the sins of Israel were placed upon the goat and it was then sent out into the wilderness carrying Israel’s iniquity.
Jesus, our High Priest, became all of this for us. One sacrifice for all, for all time. He brought His blood into the holy of holies, making a way for us to bolding enter anytime. Having purged our consciences from dead works we can serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. We can come boldly in His blood, through the new and living way He consecrated for us in His flesh, having Jesus as our high priest over the house of God.
Fellowship is ours in Christ as we walk in the light of Christ. When we stumble in the darkness, we sin (miss the mark) we wander off the path (transgress) and at times become stubborn in our wills (iniquity). Confessing our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Fellowship restored.
Communion is our returning to the atonement provided to us in Christ, owning our sins, and accepting Christ’s atonement in their place. When we receive communion, we are to judge ourselves, first. Where have I wandered, missed God’s glory, and resisted His will? Then receive Christ sacrifice as complete, His justification as our own. Strength, health, and resurrection life are all found in communion.
Sunday, I shared a message that I had not prepared on the Lord’s Supper, click here to watch.
Today, take a moment and read Leviticus 16 (Instructions for the Day of Atonement), Hebrews 8, 9 (Jesus, as High Priest, entering once for all into the Holy of Holies in heaven – our atonement), and 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 (Instructions of the heart to receive the Lord’s Supper). Afterward, take communion with whatever elements you have around (juice, bread) and receive strength from above, healing and resurrection life. Linger in this truth all day Wednesday, then join us for a special communion service.
To download the revised reading schedule during Yom Kippur and Feast of Tabernacles, click here.
