We arrive at the goal of the forty days: Yom Kippur, the Day of Covering. In the ancient Temple the high priest entered the Holy of Holies with blood. In the heavenly sanctuary the greater High Priest has entered once for all with His own blood. On earth we continue to observe the day, afflicting our souls, confessing our sins, and looking for the full application of that once-for-all atonement to the people of Israel and to the entire world.
Zechariah sees a day when a fountain will be opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness (Zechariah 13:1). That day is inseparably linked with the mourning for the One who was pierced (Zechariah 12:10). The final, national Yom Kippur will see the House of Israel look upon the Messiah and find complete cleansing and restoration.
Until that day we live in the good of the atonement already accomplished. We continue the lifelong work of teshuvah. We intercede without ceasing for the restoration of the House of Israel—Judah and Ephraim together. And we proclaim among the nations the Name of the God of Israel and of His Messiah, the High Priest and Sin-Bearer, until the earth is filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
Final Practice for Day 40:
On this climactic day, surrender everything afresh to the Holy One of Israel. Receive once again the covering of the blood of the Lamb. Lift up the whole House of Israel before the throne of mercy. And join your voice with the people of God across all the generations in the ancient cry of hope: “Next year in Jerusalem—rebuilt, restored, and filled with the glory of the Lord!”
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May the One who answered Abraham on Mount Moriah, who answered Moses on Sinai, who answered Elijah on Carmel, and who answers all who call upon Him in truth, answer us. May He cleanse us, restore the entire House of Israel, and hasten the coming of His Kingdom—for His name’s sake. Amen.
