One cannot read these chapters as well as all of Leviticus and not come away with a deep appreciation for the mercy and grace of God. Israel had lived in the pagan land of Egypt for generations, and undoubtedly, were influenced to live in ways contrary to God’s holiness. Nevertheless, God provided for his people’s sins to be covered and forgiven, despite their willful disobedience. Until Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, God allowed the blood of animals to temporarily atone for Israel’s sins.

In today’s passage of Scripture, we see God mercifully providing the way for Aaron to have his sins forgiven, so that he could enter into his presence to make atonement for the sins of the whole nation of Israel. This would be repeated once a year, every year. By precisely following God’s instructions, Aaron would be reverencing God, acknowledging his holiness, sinlessness and perfection. Our portion of Scripture ends with God providing the people of Israel a list of laws that would help them avoid the grievous sins of the people they would be displacing in the Promised Land. By obeying God’s rules, they would set themselves apart from the nations as the holy people of God.

Many years later, God would send Jesus as the perfect sacrifice that would only have to be offered once and for all. Jesus’ sinless and perfectly-lived life would atone for all who would trust his sacrifice alone for forgiveness. How very precious John 3:16 should be to all that believe, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” It is very comforting to know that just as God was patient with Israel, “[God] is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 b). Also, that being saved is a choice and is as simple as Romans 10:9 states, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Through that one choice to trust Jesus’ sacrifice, we are set apart from the world around us to live like Jesus.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, that we can be saved through faith in your Son, Jesus Christ.

David W. Davis