Yom Kippur Service 2019

Yom Kippur Service 2019

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, likely delivered by Matthew Vander Els, focuses on the profound significance of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, within its historical Jewish context and its enduring relevance for believers in Jesus, or Yeshua. The message emphasizes that Yom Kippur is far more than just a day for individual repentance; it is a central day in God's calendar that speaks to the very nature of sin, forgiveness, and God's desire for reconciliation with humanity.

Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Purgation or Purging, holds immense importance in the religious calendar of ancient Israel, with its detailed instructions found in Leviticus chapter 16. While many might perceive this day solely as a time for the forgiveness of personal sins, the teaching clarifies that its practical function extended to the cleansing of the tabernacle itself. It was believed that the transgressions of the people against God left a kind of metaphysical residue that needed to be purged from the holy place. Leviticus 16:16 explicitly states this purpose: "In this way we will make atonement for the most holy place because of the uncleanliness and rebellion of the Israelites, whatever their sins have been."

The tabernacle was structured with three areas of graded holiness: the outer court, the holy place, and the holiest of holies. Each area had specific altars where blood offerings were applied. In the outer court stood the brazen altar, where the majority of offerings were burnt. When an Israelite accidentally sinned, they would bring a goat, and its blood would be applied to the corners of this altar, as detailed in Leviticus chapter 4. Moving inward, the holy place housed the candelabra (menorah), the table of showbread, and the altar of incense, which served as the second altar. According to Leviticus 4, if a king, priest, or community leader accidentally sinned, their higher status meant their sin had a greater impact, requiring a more significant sin offering – a bull – whose blood was applied to this altar. The teaching highlights that in Leviticus, blood served as a symbolic detergent or conduit, representing a means to remove the blemish or stain of sin. The close relationship between Israel and the tabernacle meant that Israel's sin could tarnish God's house, necessitating the cleansing power of blood.

The holiest of holies, located behind a veil (or two in the later temple), was the most sacred space, housing the Ark of the Covenant. Entry beyond this veil was strictly forbidden, except for the high priest on Yom Kippur. On this unique day, the high priest would humble himself by removing his priestly garments and donning all white. An elaborate service would then commence, involving several animals, primarily a bull and two goats. One goat was randomly selected for slaughter, while the other was part of a distinctive ceremony where it was set free. The high priest would enter the holiest of holies with coals from the outer altar and specific incense, creating a cloud of smoke. He would then sprinkle the blood of the bull on the Ark for the intentional sins and transgressions of the priesthood. Following this, he would re-enter with the blood of the slaughtered goat, sprinkling it on the Ark of the Covenant to purge the intentional sins of God's people from God's "throne room." The high priest would then move backward into the holy place, sprinkling blood on the altar of incense, and finally into the courtyard, where the blood mixture was sprinkled on the brazen altar. This process symbolized a cleansing from the innermost sanctuary outward.

An intriguing aspect of Yom Kippur was the ritual involving the second goat, the scapegoat. After the blood purifications, the high priest would lay both hands on the head of this living goat and confess all the sins and transgressions of Israel over it, as if transferring them from the holy place to the animal. The Torah commanded that this scapegoat be led away from the city into the wilderness, never to be seen again. This act dramatically symbolized the removal of Israel's sins from God's presence.

Application for Everyday Life:

• Reflect on personal sins and shortcomings: Take time for honest self-examination and identify areas where you have fallen short of God's standards.
• Seek forgiveness and extend forgiveness to others: Acknowledge your sins before God and actively choose to forgive those who have wronged you.
• Embrace the concept of cleansing: Recognize that through Jesus's sacrifice, there is a way to be cleansed from the residue of sin in your life.
• Let go of burdens: Identify any unforgiveness, bitterness, or past hurts you are holding onto and consciously release them.
• Cultivate a lifestyle of repentance and growth: Yom Kippur is not just a one-day event but an opportunity to cultivate an ongoing attitude of turning away from sin and growing in righteousness.
• Find joy in forgiveness: Recognize the profound joy that comes from knowing your sins are forgiven and celebrate God's mercy.
• Remember the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus: See Yom Kippur through the lens of the cross, recognizing Jesus as the ultimate high priest and sacrifice who secured eternal redemption.

Ultimately, this teaching emphasizes that Yeshua has brought full meaning to Yom Kippur, offering believers a continuous opportunity to let go of sin, embrace God's mercy, and experience the joy of forgiveness. It is a reminder that through Jesus, we have access to the true mercy seat, where our sins are purged, and we are reconciled with God.

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References

• Leviticus 16: biblehub.com/leviticus/16.htm
• Leviticus 4: biblehub.com/leviticus/4.htm
• Leviticus 23:32: biblehub.com/leviticus/23-32.htm
• Acts 27:9: biblehub.com/acts/27-9.htm
• Romans 3:23: biblehub.com/romans/3-23.htm
• Hebrews 9:6: biblehub.com/hebrews/9-6.htm
• Psalm 32:3: biblehub.com/psalms/32-3.htm
• Philippians 1:9: biblehub.com/philippians/1-9.htm

Resources Mentioned

• The Mishnah: The Mishnah

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