The Lonely Pressure Of Atonement

Thought For The Week 525

The most holy day in the Jewish calendar, the Day of Atonement, occurs annually on the 10th day of Tishrei.  The High Priest had a major role on this day, which included his most important duties of the year. The Tabernacle in the wilderness was magnificent.  The courtyard, created with bronze posts. copper stakes, linen curtains, and silver hooks, contained a bronze altar for the burnt offerings, a bronze laver for cleansing, and the sanctuary, a special tent divided into two, the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. These two rooms were separated by a fabulous curtain woven with expensive, vibrant materials and featuring embroidered cherubim.  Only the High Priest was allowed through that curtain, but Yahweh told Moses, “Warn your brother, Aaron, not to enter the Most Holy Place…whenever he chooses; if he does, he will die” (Leviticus 16:2).

Aaron was allowed entry once a year on the Day of Atonement, but not without extensive preparations. After bathing, he dressed completely in linen, finishing with the sacred linen tunic. He then had to sacrifice his own bull as a sin offering to purify himself and his family. The day was set aside to atone for the sins of Israel, because of ‘their impurities and rebellious acts’ (16:16), and the High Priest had to begin with himself.  There were detailed instructions for all that followed and the different requirements would have taken several hours (see Leviticus 16:12-25).  Recently, I was captivated as I read, “No one may be in the tent of meeting from the time he enters to make atonement in the most holy place until he leaves after he has made atonement for himself, his household, and the whole assembly of Israel” (v17).  He was by himself; the pressure of the responsibility was immense.

When Yahshua was making atonement for us, He, too, was by Himself.  From Gethsemane to Calvary, He was alone!  In Gethsemane, His friends slept during His agony; in the judgement hall Peter denied knowing Him. Yahshua bore the lonely pressure of atonement for us.  As we eat the Passover Supper this year, let’s ponder this – and give Him our thanks.

 

Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/tabernacle-religious-artifact-7294106/

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