And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: "Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God.
--Leviticus 23:26-28 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on March 2, 2013 of Psalm 44:1-8; Acts 11:19-30; Leviticus 23:23-25:7.
God set aside one day each year for the children of Israel to atone for their sins, to afflict themselves, and make an offering to the Lord. This was to be a holy day and, by its very nature, quite somber. But before this, on the first day of that same month, they were to have a holy day of Sabbath-rest, to include "a memorial of blowing of trumpets" (reference vs. 24). This sounds a little more joyous, almost a celebration, bringing to mind scenes of David dancing and playing musical instruments in the streets. But joyous or somber, the people were to take a day to rest before afflicting themselves and atoning for their sins.
Like the Israelites, we should also reserve time to make atonement ourselves. But rather than one day a year, we should try to set aside a few minutes each day to reflect on all the good God has done for us, for the sacrifice Jesus made, to remember our sins and atone for them, seeking forgiveness for displeasing our Lord. Jesus made the greatest offering for us, but we still need to confess our sins to Him and make atonement. Every day should be our Day of Atonement. Amen.
Ever faithful and forgiving Father, like Your chosen people, we know we have done wrong in Your eyes and need to examine our deeds and our words in light of what You would have us do. We need to humble ourselves before You, confessing all our sins and those things which trouble our souls. Please hear us when we atone, and grant us forgiveness. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
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