Strong Tower
A daily scripture exposition.
Friday, December 27, 2024
Leviticus 23:27 NLT
“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.”
Do Not Be Caught Up in the Moment
The instruction in the referenced scripture is distinct and marked by the Lord’s call for vigilance. The divine instruction suggests that there was a tendency for the people to become engulfed in the excitement and exuberance associated with the Festival of Trumpets. Unlike other celebrations that often revolve around joy, abundance, and gratitude, a deep sense of introspection and repentance characterizes the Day of Atonement.
On this day, the Israelites were required to deny themselves—essentially, to fast, refraining from food as a part of their observance. Interestingly, the fasting was not to petition God for material blessings, such as an increase in harvests or livestock, nor was it an occasion for seeking prosperity. Instead, the Day of Atonement allowed the people to confront and acknowledge their sins and missteps over the past year.
The instruction was explicit: this was a shared responsibility, not just an individual observance. The Lord specified that each family unit should present special gifts to Him, often in the form of burnt offerings, symbolizing their heartfelt sorrow for their transgressions. This offering was a tangible expression of their contrition and a symbolic act of seeking restoration.
However, one such was not enough. The people had to do it every year. No wonder Robert Lowry articulated the exclusive power of Jesus’ sacrifice to atone for sin in one of his hymns. In stanza four, he writes:
“Nothing can for sin atone:
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Naught of good that I have done:
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
Friends, the blood of Jesus is the sole means by which our sins can be forgiven. No single action or deed we undertake can replace the sacrificial love that Christ demonstrated on our behalf. Lean into His strength, recognize y(our) limitations, and humbly accept the finished work of salvation that He offers us. In doing so, we embrace the profound grace extended to us, affirming that our journey of faith is not about our abilities but rather about His redemptive power at work in our lives.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to atone for my sins. I pray for the humility to accept His sacrifice. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
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