Read

Leviticus 14:33-16:34

Think

Leviticus 16:30, "On that day offerings of purification will be made for you, and you will be purified in the LORD's presence from all your sins."

When trust is broken in a relationship, it can sever even the strongest bond. If there's any hope of reconciliation and healing, amends must be made. One, or both parties, has to be willing to admit they're wrong and work to make it right. In very simple terms, this is what atonement is meant to do between ourselves and God.

For the Israelites, The Day of Atonement was very solemn. It was a day that they repented of their sins so they could be reconciled to God. Two goats were chosen. One, the "scapegoat," would symbolically have the Israelite community's sins placed on it by the High Priest and it would then be sent into the wilderness. The other would be sacrificed as an offering to God, the cost of sin. These two actions "cleaned the slate," righting the people's wrongs for the year to follow.

As Christ-followers, we have an everlasting atonement. Through Jesus' sacrifice, we have been reconciled with God. Our sin was put on Him and He also paid our sin debt, once and for all. All we have to do is believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that He is Lord, and our severed relationship with God can be restored. If you have yet to accept His free gift of atonement, do it now by praying the simple prayer below!

Pray

God, I admit I've messed up, that my sin has separated me from You. I'm sorry and turn from that sin today. I believe You sent Jesus to die on the cross and rise from the grave to atone for my sins. Today, I ask Jesus into my heart, and I choose to follow Him. Amen.