Have you ever wished there were been cameras back in Bible days--so we modernites could "see the action?" I mean, for us earthoids it's just not the same to read about the six days of creation...or the thunder and smoke on Sinai...or the whirlwind that took Elijah to heaven.
One of the most suspenseful narratives in Scripture, in my opinion, is the detailing of the proceedings on the Day of Atonement. Think of it: this was the one time all year for the High Priest could actually enter into the presence of God (in the Holy of Holies) to make intercession and atonement for the nation. Listen to how the narrative starts: "Tell...Aaron not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die." Talk about intrigue!
There's a reason Aaron couldn't just go in at any old time. There's a reason no pictures were left behind of the Ark, or of the Holy of Holies. There's a reason we don't have any pictures of what heaven looks like. The reason is simply this: God is a God of holiness and majesty. He sets the rules, and we abide by them. Period.
This year, the Day of Atonement fell 3 days ago-on September 28. For my family, it was a day of reflection. We went about our normal business for the most part--but with a sense of spiritual sobriety and solemnity. We knew that this was not a normal day.
This was the day, in ancient Israel, in which the "spotlight" (pardon the pun) was squarely on Yahweh and His holiness. The fate of the nation was in His hands on this day as on no other. If the offerings had to be made in the exact prescribed order and way, there would be no removal of sin. And without removal of sin, there could be no hope for hovering under His protective umbrella. The Israelites would be left up to their own devices--literally and figuratively.
In many ways, that accurately sums up the state of the church in America today. We have relied upon--and been left up to--our own devices. Our Greco-Roman mindset has led us to trample all over the grace of God, scoff at the holiness of God, and keep God in the closet--only to be taken out on Sunday morning or whenever we think it's convenient.
If you are reading this, I trust you are of a very different mindset. You take your role as High Priest seriously. You care about God's law, His holiness, and His order. You want to please Him--and therefore it pleases Him to offer you not only forgiveness of sin but sonship. You, indeed, will meet up with Him in inner chamber--in His Holy of Holies.
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