Devotionals for April 13, 2023
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READ
LEVITICUS 16:2
The Lord said to Moses, “Warn your brother, Aaron, not to enter the Most Holy Place behind the inner curtain whenever he chooses; if he does, he will die. For the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—is there, and I myself am present in the cloud above the atonement cover. 3 When Aaron enters the sanctuary area, he must follow these instructions fully. He must bring a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.”
REFLECT
Leviticus 16:2 describes the Day of Atonement, which was a holy day set apart for the Israelites to make atonement for their sins. The passage instructs Aaron, the high priest, to enter the Most Holy Place with a bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.
As Christians, we no longer need to make animal sacrifices for the forgiveness of our sins, because Jesus Christ has made atonement for us through His death on the cross. However, this passage still has relevance for us today. It reminds us of the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. We cannot approach God on our own terms or in our own way. We must come to Him on His terms, through faith in Jesus Christ.
APPLY
Q: In what ways have you tried to approach God on your own terms, rather than through faith in Jesus?
Q: The Day of Atonement was a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for forgiveness. How does our understanding of sin impact our relationship with God and others, and how can we extend grace and forgiveness to those who have wronged us?
Q: How can you help others understand the importance of approaching God on His terms through faith in Jesus?
SING
Jesus Over Everything by The Belonging Co.
PRAY
"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
Lord we come before you in humble recognition of our sinfulness and need for forgiveness. We confess our sins to you, knowing that you are faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from unrighteousness. Help us to extend that same forgiveness and grace to those who have wronged us, and to seek reconciliation in all our relationships.
READ
LEVITICUS 16:2
The Lord said to Moses, “Warn your brother, Aaron, not to enter the Most Holy Place behind the inner curtain whenever he chooses; if he does, he will die. For the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—is there, and I myself am present in the cloud above the atonement cover. 3 When Aaron enters the sanctuary area, he must follow these instructions fully. He must bring a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.”
REFLECT
Leviticus 16:2 describes the Day of Atonement, which was a holy day set apart for the Israelites to make atonement for their sins. The passage instructs Aaron, the high priest, to enter the Most Holy Place with a bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.
As Christians, we no longer need to make animal sacrifices for the forgiveness of our sins, because Jesus Christ has made atonement for us through His death on the cross. However, this passage still has relevance for us today. It reminds us of the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. We cannot approach God on our own terms or in our own way. We must come to Him on His terms, through faith in Jesus Christ.
APPLY
Q: In what ways have you tried to approach God on your own terms, rather than through faith in Jesus?
Q: The Day of Atonement was a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for forgiveness. How does our understanding of sin impact our relationship with God and others, and how can we extend grace and forgiveness to those who have wronged us?
Q: How can you help others understand the importance of approaching God on His terms through faith in Jesus?
SING
Jesus Over Everything by The Belonging Co.
PRAY
"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
Lord we come before you in humble recognition of our sinfulness and need for forgiveness. We confess our sins to you, knowing that you are faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from unrighteousness. Help us to extend that same forgiveness and grace to those who have wronged us, and to seek reconciliation in all our relationships.