Atonement

Today's readings come from Leviticus 16, 17, 18.

"For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life."

Leviticus 16 is one of the most important passages in detailing "The Day of Atonement". Occurring in the Fall of the year, this is considered Israel's highest and holiest day. Besides Passover it serves as the great reminder of God's provisions for redemption, forgiveness and fellowship with his people.

Aaron's (or the High Priest at the time) enters into the Holy of Holies to take the blood of the bull for his sin, and then later the blood of one of two goats to sprinkle upon the mercy seat. There "atonement" is made for the sins of the himself first, and then the nation. Once every year this ritual takes place. The blood is the source of the atonement...the life of all flesh is wrapped up in the blood. The second part of the atonement is the second goat - the scapegoat - which the high priest symbolically places the sins of the nation upon and then has someone take it out in the wilderness to release it...let it go. Atonement brings about redemption and forgiveness. God forgives by "letting go", "releasing from us" the sins that he will not remember.

The atonement is freedom for the Israelites. They are not called to religion, to random acts of performance to try to curry God's favor. They are not to shed blood, but make atonement with the blood of the goat once a year. All of this anticipates the coming of Christ Jesus, who through the blood of the lamb, once and for all makes atonement for the sins of the people.

It's fitting after all of this that the last chapter defines laws concerning sexuality. People do not use people to gratify their own pleasures. They give honor and dignity to all people. Sexuality is a gift from God in marriage and it's to be treasured and enjoyed, but that is where the gift gives life...outside of that it leads to much pain and suffering.

Let's live as forgiven, free people...amen?

Peace


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