Leviticus 16:29-30 “This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month you must deny yourselves and not do any work—whether native-born or a foreigner residing among you—30 because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the Lord, you will be clean from all your sins.
National celebrations can be very important and formative to a national identity. We used to celebrate July 4th here in the United States with pride. It marked the beginning of our collective pursuit of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It marked a break with the past and a new start.
But it also became a day when families gathered and fireworks were ignited. As darkness came, the whizzes and bangs began, often going on late into the night. Hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad and chips. Maybe deviled eggs and BBQ. But lots of laughter and yard games.
We generally didn’t spend too much time recalling the history that made July 4th important to us. We might say something about the Declaration of Independence, but only in passing. It was a day away from work and an excuse for eating too much.
Some of us celebrate Easter, or Resurrection Day. On that day we often focus on the reason for the day, Jesus’ conquering of death and overcoming sin on our behalf. We eat and hunt for eggs, laugh and enjoy family and friends. This day at least has a connection to history in most of our eyes.
For the Israelite community, coming out of slavery in Egypt and entering into a time of national formation, they need structure to their lives as a community. Our text tells us about one of those important days. It is a yearly time set aside to pay attention to our sins and the burden that our sins have on us and our community. It is called “The Day of Atonement.”
It was a day set aside to recognize the cost of sin. Sin means death, separation from the LORD’s presence. So restoration to the LORD’s presence requires life. Something must die for the sin. There has to be a payment.
Of course this Day of Atonement foreshadowed Jesus ultimate death and victory over death and the grave on our behalf. But it brought to the Israelite community an annual reminder of their own sins and the collective rebellions. A price had to be paid.
Notice that this Day is on the tenth day of the seventh month, both ten and seven being repeated important intervals in the Scriptures. Their importance started on page one with the ten commands of God in creation over the seven days of creation. Pay attention as you read to the seven and tens that appear in Scripture. They are woven into so many things on purpose.
And then we notice that this special day is marked by the same activities as the Sabbath Day. No work is to be done. There is to be a time to reflect on the person and collective rebellions. It is a time to recommit to trusting what the LORD has said. He will provide for our needs.
It is also a cleaning of the slate. We get to start over, our past mistakes are no longer taken into account. And we all need a new start from time to time. We need a way back from mistakes and errors in judgment.
How do we mark this collective turning back tot he LORD? Do we make it a part of our calendar?
The Arnold Journey 