Centuries ago, devout Jews had a day of rest, fasting and sacrifice. It was called a Day of Atonement.
On this day, there was a strong sense of guilt followed by a renewed sense of God’s forgiveness.
There was a ceremony and near the end of it the priest released a goat into the wilderness. It was followed by an attendant who at the end of the route, pushed the goat off a high cliff. This symbolized the carrying away of the sins of the people.
After it was done, the people rejoiced.
Today, Yom Kippur, also known as the Sabbath of Sabbaths, is the holiest day of the Jewish year.
It’s the day of atonement after the Jewish new year, Rosh Hashanah.
On this day, Jews ask God for forgiveness for their sins to secure their fate.
There is also the Christian Day of Atonement. Based on the English translation of the Jewish Holy day Yom Kippur.
Both are days commemorated with a 25-hour fast by Jews, and a 24-hour fast by Christians and still acknowledged every year.
There is nothing wrong with this, but our joy comes in knowing that Christ bore our sins when He died on the cross.
Because of this, we can confess our sins and rejoice in Him every hour of the day, not just once a year.
That by His atonement we obtained rest for our souls, and all the glorious liberties as the children of God.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, sin comes in many forms and we all need to have the blood of Christ effectually applied to our souls. Without it we can never look You in the face with any comfort or acceptance. May we receive and accept that the blood of Christ was shed for our sins. That we must confess our sins, live by faith, and be reconciled with You. It is the only way we will be able to rejoice on a daily basis.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen