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Day of Atonement Part 2 // The Holy of Holies

In the last devotion, we looked at the way in which the Day of Atonement is perhaps the most important day in the Jewish calendar. One of the reasons this is the case is because on this one day of the year, the High Priest (and the High Priest only) was allowed by God to come into the Holy of Holies. The Holy of Holies was where the fullness of God’s presence dwelt on earth, yet only the High Priest could enter, and only once a year. 

Immediately after Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross, there is a radical change. In Matthew 27:51 we read that “suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was split in two from top to bottom; the earth quaked and the rocks were split.” (HCSB) All of a sudden, the veil that had separated the world from the fullness of God’s presence was split. This is an amazing symbol for the way in which all that call on the name of Jesus can enter into the fullness of His presence. This is why Hebrews 8:6 reads that “Jesus has now obtained a superior ministry, and to that degree He is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been legally enacted on better promises.” (HCSB) Indeed, Jesus is now our High Priest and our direct mediator to God. 

Prayer:

God, I thank You that through Jesus’ work on the Cross, we are able to enter into the fullness of Your presence. I thank You that we do not need a human priest or anyone to approach You. During this time of prayer and feasting, I pray that You surround me, my family and my church with Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.