Day 52

Leviticus 14:33-16:34.  “Covering is Not a Cure”

Once each year the Israelites would confess their sins, and the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle (and temple later) to make atonement for them as a nation.  This was called the Day of Atonement, and it was obviously, one of the most important days of the year.  
The ceremony had very specific rules that the high priest was to follow.  The animals had to meet certain standards.  The process was to symbolize certain things as it followed a very rigid procedure.  There was a great deal of blood spilled out and sprinkled at the front of the Ark of Covenant.  And, understand this, it had to be performed each year—it was temporary.
Atonement is only a bandage and not a cure.  Atone means “to cover.”  Their sins were just being “covered” up each year, yet it all looked forward to a perfect sacrifice that would remedy that problem.  
Forgive means “to cancel.”  Jesus Christ’s sacrifice made forgiveness possible.  Prayerfully, we never take it for granted.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?