SLOW DOWN AND SPEED UP

We are entering a time in Christian interaction that needs us to refocus on what is important. Christ said the first warning sign of the end times coming was deception. Matthew 24:4 “Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you,” It is apparent that this is happening right now in the Bible prophecy scholarly world. Let’s examine the camps. First, we have the group that says they had a dream, or a vision and God personally told them the day. We can ignore these people because we have no basis for judging what they say about scripture. You might notice that I am not saying they did or did not have an “experience,” I am only saying that we cannot measure what they say off of scripture. Thus, let’s stay silent on it and move forward.

Today, we are going to focus on the next two groups.

The next group is those who claim to watch high and watch moments; many examine specific days based on a plethora of reasons. The facts that they point to is scripture and creation itself. This group is those who claim we will never know the day or the hour and shun those who are in these other groups.

This final group claims the second group is emotional or tired of waiting, so they create dates to keep them going. Even amazing pastors whom I look up to have made this mistake and claimed this as the second group’s argument. However, when you read, listen, and watch the second group, you find out that they are just actively looking for when the Lord comes back. Are they incorrect in looking at specific dates? I see no Bible verse saying this is wrong. I see plenty saying for us to be watchful and to see the day approaching.

So we now come to an impasse on what we should do. I believe we need to slow down before saying silly things and accusing other brothers and sisters who are on the same team of being Biblically accurate and following the Pre-tribulation rapture. I think we need to pick up our pace in studying scripture.

Let us take God’s Word seriously. Let us be vigilant in looking at when He is coming back for us. For those who claim we will never know the day or the hour, slow down and recognize that not all who are looking at dates are wrong. We have seen many look at dates, and those dates pass yet they still eagerly served the Lord and continued. In short, we need to do what Titus tells us in chapter 2:12-13 “And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.” So if you do not believe September 23rd is the rapture, listen to those who believe it is and encourage them to seek the Lord. If they are wrong, do not laugh, but jump right back in and study God’s word together in fellowship. If you believe September 23rd is the rapture, continue to serve the Lord, and if it is not the day of His return, let us continue to serve him.

Finally, let us hope and pray that the Rapture is today.

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

We now come to the second part of chapter fourteen, which I believe is paramount for us to understand. We see another glaring glimpse into how the Old and New Testaments are technically one interwoven, beautiful account of God saving the world. Let’s read!

Genesis 14:18-24 “18 And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. 19 Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. 20 And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered. 21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.” 22 Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, 23 that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’ 24 I will accept only what my young warriors have already eaten, and I request that you give a fair share of the goods to my allies--Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre.”

This section of scripture can be divided into two parts. First with Melchizedek, and the second with the king of Sodom. Any student of the Bible knows that Melchizedek is directly connected to Jesus Christ. In Hebrew, Melchizedek comes from two Hebrew words: Melek, meaning king, and sadeq, meaning justice or righteousness. Thus, we have a King of Righteousness. One must only look at Psalm 110:4 and see a connection that this King is also a priest. To the Jewish people, this would be a huge taboo. The Kings came from the tribe of Judah, and the priests came from the tribe of Levite. Examine Hebrews 7:14, “For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.” And yet, we have a conundrum that is only answered thousands of years later with Jesus Christ. This answer comes about in Hebrews chapters 5-7. In this, you will see a connection that is foreshadowed by the King of Salem’s revelation of Jesus Christ in the future. We see a conundrum emerging with priests and kings coming from the body of Christ, as described in Revelation 5. For Israel, this separation is very real and can only be connected through a different priestly line; this is where the Order of Melchizedek comes into play. This is why we need to understand both our Old and New Testaments; this is why the Old is paramount to understand the significance of the New. We see the king give Abram a blessing and a reminder of what God has done. This is an outside source providing evidence beyond just Abram that God has intentions for Abram that are more than what might appear right now. This is why we must be careful to assume something today that people might claim or find resolute when, in fact, it might be built on a lie that is easily discernible when we have God’s Word at our hands. The father of the Jewish people was fighting to protect people long before his descendants would be there. The Jewish people have been saving others in their own land since the beginning. However, and more importantly, a foreshadowing of Jesus as the High Priest and King of Kings was represented and was blessing Abram.

Next week, we will discuss Abram’s interaction with the king of Sodom.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Where Are Your Priorities?

Fall is fast approaching. While it seems that this is the time of year that nature slows down, leaves are soon to be changing, animals are preparing for the winter, and even the breeze seems to be blowing softer. Yet, for most humans, fall is the beginning of the busy season. School is starting, work projects are ramping up to prepare for the holiday sales, and people are already making plans for the holidays. With how fast paced we can get, it is good to take a lesson from nature and remember to slow down. Now is the time that we need to make sure our priorities are aligned correctly.

“42 At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. 43 But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” 44 And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.”

Luke 4:42-44

This may seem like a strange verse when discussing priorities, until you take a closer look at it. This section of scripture occurs not long into Jesus’ ministry, and He has recently healed a multitude of people. Because of this, He has had quite the following of people seeking Him out. Yet, this passage shows that Jesus goes to a secluded place, away from the crowds and all the craziness. While not directly stated, we know from Jesus’ behavior in the garden before He is arrested, that He would remove Himself in order to spend time speaking to His Father; this is something that I believe that He is doing here. Before interacting with His responsibilities, Jesus is ensuring that He has that one on one time with God the Father. Only then does He go about the purpose that He was sent for.

This is something that you and I need to keep in mind. Before getting bogged down with all of our responsibilities, we need to ensure that we are spending time with God. We should be aiming to have our relationship with God be our top priority, before anything else.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A Day Free From Labor

For our United States readers, today is a day meant to honor the social and economic achievements of those who are working, and for many, it is celebrated by a day of rest. However, it does not mean that we can’t apply the concept of Labor Day to the born-again followers of Jesus Christ. Which is why today, we are going to pause our study of the book of Genesis and see how all followers of Jesus Christ can benefit from understanding where we find our rest.

It is important to understand that when we are constantly trying to work to deserve our faith, we will never measure up, and this will mean that we are always physically and spiritually exhausted. The only way to find true rest is to place the faith of our salvation onto Jesus Christ. Matthew 11:28 “28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” We cannot work to make ourselves “good enough” for God; the only one who can do that is Jesus Christ.

This is not to say that our faith will not be acknowledged because of our works. In fact, works are what allows the world to see that we are set apart because of Jesus Christ. James 2:17 “17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” However, the difference is that our works no longer benefit ourselves; they are meant to glorify God. Colossians 3:23-24 “23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

So today, I ask that you take a moment and examine two things. First, examine if you are truly receiving rest in your works or if you find yourself more and more tired. Second, examine who the works are for. How you answer these two questions will determine how you are walking with God.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

Jl

Re-Post Friday

Remembering the deeds of this “nameless” woman. Read it HERE!

What To Say

There has always been one concept when I do my Bible study that I have found interesting. And that is how truely alive God’s word is! To think that the Bible was written throughout so many different authors and years, and yet, it still provides relevant information for believers now. Scenarios that are presented in Scripture, are still being experienced by believers today, and I am sure believers will continue to face them.

I think the best example of what I am saying can be found in Matthew 10:19-20.

“19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

Often when this passage is discussed, the focus is on the fact that the follower of Christ has been arrested and in a time of conflict God will provide them what to say. I am not saying that this is wrong, however, I believe there is more to it. And the answer can be found in Acts 4.

“7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this? 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!”

Acts 4:7-8

Again, when people read this passage the focus is on that Peter and John are presenting their argument before a crowd. I think it is often overlooked that it was the Holy Spirit that gave them the words to say.

What is interesting when you connect these two passages, is that Jesus was telling those around him, including Peter, that when they are in front of the leaders of the day; they should not worry about what to say, God will give them the words to say. And we see this played out in Acts 4. Jesus, being all-knowing, knew that Peter was going to one day be in this scenario and was already advising him on what to do, which is to not worry. This is true for us today. God’s word is alive, what He stated for a disciple walking with Him is true for us now. God is not placed inside of time, He is capable of knowing the scenarios what we find ourselves in today and has already provided us with advice just as a loving Father would. This is why all born-again believers must be active in studying God’s word, by knowing His word, we know His voice.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

Re-Post Friday

Does your walk with God feel boring? Read HERE!

Return and Visit

There is much that can be said about Paul. His story is a wonderful one that shows redemption and how God will always use us. However, I do think there is one lesson from Paul that is often missed.

“36 Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”

Acts 15:36

This is such a simple lesson, and yet it is one that I think we as believers today need to learn. Paul went back to those whom he preached to. He didn’t just preach to them and move on. He didn’t forget about them. He made it a priority to first preach the word to those around him, and then he went back to check on them. Paul spent time with those who he preached to in order to encourage them, guide them, and ensure that they remained strong in their faith. He also used this as an opportunity to correct any issues that would be found in the growing church and to answer questions along the way.

Why is this important for believers today? So often, we have Christians who seek to disciple others but when the discipleship is over, they no longer check in and see how they are doing in their walk with God. This is detrimental to many today. This is not to say that our actions can keep someone walking with Christ, in the end that is a personal decision that everyone must make, but if we are open with those around us I believe that we will see less people struggling in their faith. We need to build connections with those who are walking with God so when they have questions or are faced with sin, they know that they have people around them who can help guide them in what God’s word says.

Jesus provides this example for us with not leaving those who He had been teaching. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:18. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help instruct, teach and continue on the mission that Jesus had started. This example helps identify the truth in not leaving those who were once under some type of discipleship. Like Jesus, we need to make sure to not leave our brothers and sisters with only a mere shallow understanding of God’s Word, but come next to them and help them grow. Paul and Barnabus took Jesus’ example and applied it to who they were discipling, it is time we do the same.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

Update From Millhouse Ministries

Today, I wanted to give you all an update from Millhouse Ministries and provide you with an opportunity to help us.

We are asking for your prayers! God has been great to Millhouse Ministries, and we are seeking the Lord's direction on several upcoming opportunities. Just like Paul, in his letters to the Churches, continuously asked those he served to pray for him and the ministry he worked in, we likewise are asking the same. God is good, and we want His direction on where we need to go next. Pray that He may give us Wisdom and discernment in the days ahead.

Secondly, we would ask you to help share Millhouse Ministries and tell others about what God is doing here. We are determined to do what He has commanded all believers to do with the Great Commission and with encouraging other believers to stay focused as we see the day of our Blessed hope come.

Once again, I want to say thank you, and God bless you.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

Do you have true comfort? Find out HERE!

Things Hidden

There are many times when I am doing my Bible study that I will stumble across something that I had never noticed before. At the time, it seems so obvious that this is what God’s word is saying that I almost feel embarrassed that I never noticed it before. Recently, I came across one of these occurrences, and I believe the passage of scripture is quite relevant.

“16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.”

John 12:16

This passage occurs after Jesus enters Jerusalem and completes some aspects that the Old Testament stated the Messiah would do, namely that He would enter riding a young donkey that hadn’t been ridden before. “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9. However, it is not Jesus fulfilling this that I wish to discuss today. Instead, it is the disciples’ reactions.

Verse 16 immediately points out that Jesus’s disciples did not understand what Jesus was doing, and that this understanding only occurred until after Jesus’s death and resurrection. This means that even though the disciples had grown up hearing Zechariah's words being taught, they did not understand the actions of Jesus fulfilling this prophecy until much later.

What this means for you and I is that there are times when we read the word of God, and at first, we don’t understand it. Then later on, we will reread a passage, and suddenly its meaning is clear. This is because God hides the meanings of His word until it is time to understand them. This is important for two reasons. First, as the days draw closer to the return of our Lord and Savior for His church, more of His Word will be revealed to believers. We will see prophecies be completed. Which brings me to my second point, we need to be in God’s word. Our best opportunity to share God’s grace and mercy comes with the understanding of His word. When prophecies are completed, we can show those around us how God’s word is living and us it to lead them to Christ. We must continually be in God’s Word and pray that God opens it up to us so that we can understand it!

 “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.”

Proverbs 25:2

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

WHY GENESIS

I love history, it is one of my favorite subjects. I find it interesting when connecting the dots of human history and the chapters of how we have progressed through the ages. If there is a single theme it is Christ’s involvement in human affairs. However, there are patterns that clearly cannot be ignored. One of those patterns is nations that reject the Lord for their own idols. God does not allow for anything to be worshipped but Him.

Isaiah 45:5-7 “I am the LORD, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God. I will gird you, though you have not known Me; 6 That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun That there is no one besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other, 7 The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these.”

It is clear that God does not tolerate idolatry, and yet, I believe the United States is at our zenith with this sin. We have come to a point where those who claim to be believers are charismatically and passionately declaring a Jesus in their own making. We need to wake up! We need to run to God’s Word quickly! This is one of the reasons why we are doing the Genesis study to help build a foundation on who God really is, and what He has done and is planning on doing for us. This is why we call you to pray! This is why we call you to stay focused on Christ. This is why Mill House Ministries was started. To provide weekly spiritual support to those who call themselves followers of Jesus Christ. It is not the unsaved that I am calling to repent, but the individuals who claim to be followers of Christ Jesus. Let us go back to His Word and seek the true Jesus who does not change. Malachi 3:6 “For I [am] the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.” This characteristic of God is not just for the Israeli’s in the day of Malachi, but it is for the Church today. God has promises to Israel that He will keep. God has promises to the Church that He will keep, but in those promises are warning to those who will not keep the faith, God does not suffer those who falter and fall away. Let us encourage one another and seek the Lord in all ways. God is good and His love and mercy is renewing to us daily, but let us not make a Jesus in our own image but rather be focused on the one that He is. For Jesus said Himself, Revelation 1:11 “saying I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last.” Wake up America!

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

What are the six things that all Christians should understand? Find out HERE!

What is the Truth

Right now in the media, you might be hearing of reports coming out of Gaza regarding the so called treatment of those living in the Gaza Strip and what Israel is doing to them. What you most likely are not hearing about is the fact, Israel is working tirelessly to help bring food and aid to those in enemy territory. Hamas, a terrorist organization that has been holding hostages for over a year and a half is still refusing to come to peaceful terms. Reports from inside Gaza are revealing the unsettling truth that Hamas, not Israel, is keeping food from Gaza residents. However, most in the world are hypnotized by the demonic delusion which is commonly known as antisemitism. This irrational hatred is designed and bred to create the chaos and death that is the fingerprints of the very real spiritual war happening right before us.

When God chose to be the God of Abram, Isaac, and Jacob’s decedents, He was declaring to Satan and the evil forces that this was His play. Salvation would come through what He was going to do with the Jewish people. Christ has come through the Jewish people, the Bible has come through the Jewish people, and now we wait for Christ to fullfilled His promises to the Jewish people, and thus bring the conclusion to human history as we know it to a final crescendo. God has made promises to the Jewish people, and if those promises are not kept, Satan wins. Satan believes if he can make the world eradicate the Jewish people, there will be no place for God to fullfilled His promises. This is why we need to stand with the Jewish people and declare the Gospel to all in this time. Take a moment and pray for Israel and that the truth of what is really happening is brought to light. History will reflect how Israel went out of their way to help their enemy, while those who curse Israel hurt each other and refused to acknowledge God’s people with their promise.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

We now come to part two in our mini-series over Genesis chapter 14:1-17. Today, I want us to understand that God’s word is more than just perfect and accurate, but it is alive. This means that it is clearly applicable to you and I today. This might sound strange to those who just read verses 1 through 17, but I can assure you it is very touching to you and I today. Let’s begin!

There is a war between two sides. Last week we touched on part of this bad group is Nephelim and that they had returned. Many sound Biblical scholars will try to refute this argument, however I believe the scripture itself is clear and we are dealing with another incursion of angelic human off-breading. Take a brief moment and examine the post war outcome and see how Sodom and Gomorrah had succumbed to ill fate during the war and were determined to “fix” the issue. They sought to have their own angelic interbreeding. This is the reason why Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed, this is why they wanted the two angels and not the virgin daughters of Lot. Connecting these dots helps us understand why their fate was sealed with God taking the righteous out and leaving the rest to die. This is why it was different than with other wicked cities such as Ninovah or Babylon.

Nevertheless, we need to continue. Abram identifies what I believe to be a major applicable part to Christians today. The challenge we face today is the following, “Do we join wars that are not our own?” As always we can look at scripture and see that God has provided an answer. Abram was not part of this war. He could have told Lot that his fate was in his own hands and that he wanted to be a pacifist. Both sides were not perfect, for goodness sake, the good guys in this war included Sodom and Gomorrah. However, Abram understood the need for righteousness sake and that he needed to act. When good men fail to act, evil wins. Abram had many failures in his life, to include some we will talk about in the coming weeks. However, we can say without a shadow of doubt, Abram was a man of action. He was not going to allow the axis of evil in his day to overcome the region and slay his nephew. Instead of being a pacifist, he took up arms, rallied soldiers, and fought the needed fight.

Several places in the Old and New Testament you will see God identify it is better to ignore sacrifices and pursue righteousness and help the widow and the orphan. I would point that what Abram is doing is exactly that. Look at Verse 16 and see who comes back with him. Genesis 14:16 “So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people.” Now what does this mean for you and I? We need to be active in being ambassadors for Christ, loving all and telling everyone about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And at times, be discerning and recognize the moments that we need to step into the affairs of men and be the righteous action that God has called us to be. This event shows that one man can make a difference, Abram rallied his soldiers, fought the good fight needed in his day, and brought victory and rescue for those captured. Next week we will end our small mini series, but until that time, do not forget that we have more to learn from Abram than what many dare talk about.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

Have you overlooked this letter about forgiveness and reconciliation? Read it HERE!

The Feast of Tabernacles

We have now come to the last of the seven feasts. While no greater than the other feasts that we have discussed, the Feast of Tabernacles is an important feast once you understand the meaning.

This feast begins five days after the Day of Atonement and after the fall harvest has been completed. This feast was a celebration as the Israelites remembered God’s provision for them during the current harvest as well as His provision and protection during the 40 years in the wilderness. This was also one of the pilgrim feasts in which the Jewish males were required to travel to Jerusalem to make sacrifices to God. This feast would last for eight days, beginning and ending on a Sabbath and the Israelites would dwell in tabernacles or booths during this time.

“39 ‘On exactly the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the crops of the land, you shall celebrate the feast of the Lord for seven days, with a rest on the first day and a rest on the eighth day. 40 Now on the first day you shall take for yourselves the foliage of beautiful trees, palm branches and branches of trees with thick branches and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days. 41 So you shall celebrate it as a feast to the Lord for seven days in the year. It shall be a permanent statute throughout your generations; you shall celebrate it in the seventh month. 42 You shall live in booths for seven days; all the native-born in Israel shall live in booths, 43 so that your generations may know that I had the sons of Israel live in booths when I brought them out from the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.’” 44 So Moses declared to the sons of Israel the appointed times of the Lord.”

Leviticus 23: 39-44

For the Christian’s today, the Feast of Tabernacles references an event that is yet to come, during the return of Jesus Christ. This feast is a celebration of a harvest being completed and is something that we will one day see after Jacob’s 70th week. The Feast of Tabernacles is a reminder that God provided for His people while they were living in tents and an encouragement for us to look forward to when He will dwell with us physically on earth. Next week we will dive in a little deeper and see the prophetic meaning behind what is to come.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

We now come to what I will call a three-part miniseries within our study on Genesis. Today, we begin a micro study into chapter 14 as well as the implications and applications for today. You might wonder how this historical lesson might be applicable today, but I can assure you it is very much applicable.

Read verses Genesis 14:1-17 and see that we are provided an account that should be startling to the reader. Any astute Bible student will realize that this list has Nephalim there. They are back, the flood which put them in check is no longer. In the brief years, the enemy is about bringing their armies from the spiritual into the physical. The breeding process has restarted. For more information on this, I would encourage you to go to LA Marzulli’s research and see the incredible analysis of God’s Word revealing Satan’s gene manipulation is back.

However, there is a check this time. Instead of unrestricted access to the world and its population, God has apparently placed blockers, or restrictions on what they can and cannot do. One of those is Abram coming to the rescue of his brother-n-law and the kings who allied with him. This section of scripture has two other parts that we need to recognize, Moses is writing this account down for an audience. Examine Genesis 14:14 “Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained [servants] who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.” There is concrete evidence and accounts relayed to the reader for them to go and physically observe. They went as far as Dan’s territory. For the children of Israel this would have been a place they would have known like the back of their hand. For us today, we can look at a map of the land of the tribes and see that Dan’s territory was divided into two parts. One on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean in what we would now know as Jaffa. This area was given to Israel already by God through Abram and yet Abram is helping others who lived there. He is rescuing those who are on his land from an enemy that one day would be vanquished by Abram’s descendants. For those who believe this is not their land and ignore God’s promise, just examine what Abram was doing in a time that he did not need to. This has and will always be Israel’s right.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

Are you acting upon God’s Word? Find out HERE!

The Day of Atonement

We have nearly finished our study on the seven different Jewish feasts and today we will be looking at the second to last feast.

“27 “The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves, and present a food offering to the Lord. 28 Do not do any work on that day, because it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the Lord your God.”

Leviticus 23:27-28

This feast was the most solemn of all the Israelite feasts and is to be an atonement for the nation of Israel’s sins. Leviticus 16:1-34 describes how the atonement ritual began but I will break it down here. First the high priest was to bathe and put on special garments. Then he would first sacrifice a bull as a sin offering for himself and his family before sacrificing one goat for the sin of Israel. A second goat was used as a scapegoat, the high priest would place his hands on its head, confess the sins of Israel over it before an appointed man released it into the wilderness. This was symbolic in that the goat carried on the sins of all the people, which were forgiven, for another year.

For the Christians today, we can see this feast as a reminder for mankind’s need to be cleansed of sin. This was only done when Jesus came to make the once and for all sacrifice, “27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.” Hebrews 7:27. Christ’s sacrifice is good for more than a year, it is sufficient for every sin of all those who would come to confess Him as Lord and Savior. Because of Christ, there is no longer any need for another sacrifice. His sacrifice appeased God’s wrath against sin, “9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” Romans 5:9. Finally, we can be reminded that once we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ, there are two important promises we must recognize. First, that God has removed our transgressions from us as far as the east is from the west, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:11-12. Secondly, God promises to remember our sin no more, “12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12

This feast is an important one for us to remember as we sit and reflect on our salvation. Next week, we will be looking at the last of the seven feasts.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex