In the realm of faith, there are few moments as profound and significant as the Day of Atonement. This sacred day, known as Yom Kippur, holds great meaning for the people of Yahweh. It is a time of introspection, repentance, and the pursuit of reconciliation with our Creator. Just as Aharon, the high priest of ancient Israel, could approach Yahweh only once a year, there are specific details that need to be adhered to as we seek to draw near to our King. However, we now have a greater revelation—a picture of readiness to approach our King through our High Priest, Yeshua.
A Call to Readiness:
Yahweh, in His infinite wisdom and love, provided a way for us to draw near to Him. The Day of Atonement serves as a reminder of our need to be ready and prepared to approach our King. In ancient times, Aharon had to meticulously follow the prescribed rituals and sacrifices, ensuring that he was worthy to stand in the presence of Yahweh. Similarly, we are called to examine ourselves, seeking forgiveness for our shortcomings and aligning our hearts with His will.
Yeshua: Our High Priest and Mediator:
The ultimate fulfillment of the Day of Atonement came through Yeshua, our High Priest and Mediator. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, He made a way for us to have a right relationship with Yahweh. Yeshua’s atoning work tore the veil that separated us from the presence of God, granting us direct access to the Father. Now, as believers, we can boldly approach the throne of grace, assured of His mercy and forgiveness.
The Role of Repentance:
Repentance lies at the heart of readiness to approach our King. Just as the Israelites brought their sins before Yahweh on the Day of Atonement, we must humbly acknowledge our transgressions and turn away from them. Through genuine repentance, we align ourselves with Yahweh’s holiness and seek His transformative power in our lives. This process not only mends our relationship with Him but also brings healing and restoration to our souls.
A Renewed Covenant:
As we embrace the significance of Yom Kippur and our High Priest Yeshua, we enter into a renewed covenant with Yahweh. Through His blood, we are cleansed and made new. Our readiness to approach our King is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of surrender and obedience. Each day, we strive to walk in righteousness, reflecting His love and grace to the world around us. As we engage in sincere repentance and embrace the atoning work of Yeshua, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that we are His people and that He has provided a way for us to draw near.
May this Day of Atonement be a time of deep reflection, transformation, and renewed commitment to our King.
Dr. David Jones
BYNA Elder
