Making Peace with Imperfection

Ok, I admit it. I want a perfect world. I find myself secretly battling my expectation for the world to adhere to 'life according to Amanda's values and preferences.' 'I wouldn't have done it like that,' and 'this is great except..." are statements I hear reverberating in my mind...far...too...often. But this morning I was hit right between the eyes with this...

"Whenever we are attached to having something a certain way, better than it already is, we are, almost by definition, engaged in a losing battle. Rather than being content and grateful for what we have, we are focused on what's wrong with something and need to fix it. When we are zeroed in on what's wrong, it implies that we are dissatisfied, discontent."

This morning, I am desperate to begin the journey toward making peace with imperfection. To choose content and satisfied over irritated and negative. To intentionally see the beauty in the way things already are, to relish every blessing, to notice every good thing, to experience a life that is more full of joy because it is not concerned with always diagnosing the problem.

Even as I write these words, I'm reminded of my own imperfections, my own limitations, and all the ways that, to those around me, I don't and never will measure up...and I find myself so thankful that I serve a God who embraces me anyway, who bears with me through them, and who uses them for His glory.

 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 

2 Corinthians 9-11

My prayer today is that we would have the courage and the self control to make peace with imperfections...the ones that we see around us as well as those we feel within us. Oh God, help us to grant the world the grace you have extended...and to be content with who we are - just perfect in our grace-covered imperfections.

Blessings!

Putting DOWN our Dukes: Exodus' Compelling Argument for Why Believers Should Stop Retaliating

I must admit something to you: I don't like being taken advantage of, or abused, or used. I know, you're thinking, 'Who does?' The confession is that one of my biggest challenges as a believer, a representative of our Great God, is maintaining self-control in the face of what I perceive as attack of this sort. It's so easy to succumb to that feeling of emotional charge, defensiveness, and to let it compel us to do something reckless, and sinful - like completely unleashing verbal abuse on someone or slanderous, poisonous gossip and the like.


We think we create these defense mechanisms to protect our hearts, our egos, and our reputations. When someone throws a punch - be it a snarky remark, a dig at our professional reputations or whatever it may be - the biggest temptation is to don those sparring gloves and give it right back to the opponent. It seems like the most justified and rational response at that moment. Right? However, in studying the opening chapters of Exodus this week, I noticed something that made me look at this response a little differently.

Retaliate or Repair?

In Chapter 7 of Exodus, YHWH (God's formal name in Hebrew) begins to exact - via Moses - a number of plagues on the unbelieving, unrelenting Egyptian Pharaoh, who is ruthlessly enslaving the Israelite people. In response to the first sign given to him (Exodus 7:10-11) Pharaoh calls together his counsel of wise men and sorcerers and magicians, who are able to replicate it with seeming ease.


This pattern continues. Egypt's primary and precious water source, the Nile, is made like blood, having to be filtered out in order to be drinkable (Exodus 7:20-24). In response to this terrifying act, "the magicians of Egypt did the same with their secret arts" (Exodus 7:22). Again when frogs begin to swarm the land, "the magicians did the same with their secret arts, making frogs com up on the land of Egypt" (Exodus 8:7). These problems were really serious. Drinking water attacked; frogs filling up every home and road and public place. And their response is to copy it. Call me crazy, but it seems like this is an irrational response. Certainly it is self-serving. There is a nation of terrified, suffering people. As far as Egypt knew, they had the skill set to potentially improve or resolve these issues, to help their people, to heal their land. But instead, they chose the road of retaliation.

Someone once told me that negativity is thrown around like a little invisible ball of energy. Once someone throws it at you, it eats at you unless you throw it back out at someone else - that it's the only thing that can relieve you. But I would argue that this short-lived 'relief' leaves an awful lot of collateral damage. Rather than resolving the ultimate issues, we are only creating a larger wake - more tension, more stress, more negativity. When you think about how unproductive the labor of these magicians really was - and think about how similar it is to our reactions to altercations in life - it really does shine some light on how fruitless and irrational it all really is. Let's be different than these guys. Because as we'll see - you can't win 'em all with this method.

You Can't Win 'Em All

By plague number three, the magicians come up against a plague they simply can't replicate: lice (Exodus 8:18). Two plagues had passed and they still hadn't learned that this method was not helping anyone! And now they were faced with a challenge they couldn't overcome. Guess what? Maybe you've succeeded in putting people in their place in your family or in friendships. Perhaps your quick wit and retaliation skills have served you well with most people. But eventually, you will encounter someone that will outmatch you. Maybe it will be someone in authority, maybe it will be a large entity that is unaffected by your angry response.


Today I read a letter posted online from a man who had been issued a 'cease and desist' letter for the use of one of their drink names on his menu. The name was honestly merely similar and not exact; it was a small business that could never have really done any real damage to the business of Starbucks - he wasn't even selling a coffee drink! Instead of just simply changing the name, though, he responded with a punchy letter and a $6 check, paying sarcastically the entity for the profit he'd made on the name. In the end, he still had to remove the drink name from his menu. And Starbucks didn't much care that he had sent that letter. In fact, they probably totally disregarded it. What good did that do? While many applauded this man for 'giving it to them,' I thought it was quite sad - his actions were, in truth, insignificant - a waste of time. People applauded sarcasm and slandered Starbucks. But nothing changed for the better. Eventually, if this is your modus operandi, you will find that it doesn't always work, and it certainly doesn't always make you feel better and that no real good ever comes from it. It's like Solomon says, "striving against he wind."

The Great Divide

Another detail that must be a consideration in this whole episode between the Egyptians and the Israelites and their powerful God (who is ours too!) is the reason they were being targeted in the first place. In Exodus 7:5 God makes is pretty clear what he is up to: "The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord." He could have just removed the Israelites from Egypt at any time - but He wanted to do more than that - He wanted to reveal Himself to them, and show them the distinction and privilege of being a people who love Him.


By plague number four we see that the Lord begins to specifically target Egyptian homes and not those of the Hebrews living in Egypt:


I will send swarms of flies on you and on your servants and on your people and into your houses; and the houses of the Egyptians, will be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground on which they dwell. But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where My people are living, so that no swarms of flies will be there, in order that you may know that I, the Lord, am in the midst of the land. I will put a division between My people and your people. (Exodus 8:21-23)


Beloved, when the Lord God enters into covenant with us through our belief in Jesus Christ, we go from one corner - that of the bondage and self-sufficiency represented by Egypt - to God's side - one that includes provision, protection, and promise. God once told Israel that there was nothing special about them that warranted His redeeming them. He did it that the world would know what He could do and provide, that He might be glorified. We certainly don't deserve God's protection, His redemption. There is nothing, really, that separates us from those we perceive as most sinful - EXCEPT God's sweet grace poured out at Calvary. Let that be a reminder to us to be grateful every day for the privilege of being one of His chosen - to remember that instead of chaos and confusion, we enjoy peace. Instead of an unsecured future, we have sturdy foundation, a future, and a hope. Knowing all that should cause us to live to bring glory to His name, to sing His praises, to tell His story, to live by His principles. And that means, as hard as it is sometimes, not resorting to the methods of the losing team, and instead, being patient, kind and resilient in the face of ugliness - and remembering just Who's "got your six."

Who's Side are You On? 

Let me share with you one final bit of information I discovered in Exodus about God's team. In chapter 6, there is a genealogy inserted that, at first glance, seems to have little significance to us. But when the book you're reading is titled Names (that's what Sh'mot, the Hebrew name for Exodus means) then you can bet that the names in that book are of particular relevance.


These are the heads of their fathers' households. The sons of Reuben, Israel's first-born: Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi; these are the families of Reuben. Exodus 6:14


This verse alone tells us a great deal about ourselves, when we look at the meanings of these Hebrew names:

"Reuben" --> Behold! A son! (the first born of Jacob, later renamed Israel)

"Hanoch" --> Dedicated

"Pallu" --> Distinguished

"Hezron" --> Surrounded by a wall (fortified)

"Karmi" --> My Vineyard

If I put these names together, they tell us just who Israel - and you and I - are to God. From God's firstborn son, who is Jesus Christ, come a people - they are dedicated to His cause, they are distinguished, set apart, holy. They are fortified by God because they are His special vineyard, created to bear, acts, according to that holiness.

Sweet friends, this must be our agenda, our identity. We must remember who's corner we are in. Ultimately, the fight in Exodus was not between Israel and Egypt. It was between God and Egypt. When we encounter tough interpersonal situations, let's remember that the battle isn't really ours either. But the choice is. We can choose to resort to futile and fruitless enemy tactics, or we can remember who we are, remember our call, and choose a better response, instead of a careless, sinful reaction. We can love, we can be patient, we can forgive - and create a win for Christ.

Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but give a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. 

1 Peter 3:9

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

John 3:35

Praying blessings over you in this New Year - Make it count, stay in the battle - with open hands full of mercy and praise for our remarkable God, not fists full of anger.


See you in 2014!

Vantage Points

This past week I had the delight and privilege of performing in one of our church's Children's Ministry productions that retells the Christmas story through hilarious videos, a huge cast of puppets and amazingly talented young dancers who serve as our children's worship team. In the midst of memorizing lines and late night rehearsals followed by an onslaught of seven performances in addition to my already very hectic holiday season and work load, I was struck with a thought.

The character I played in the show was discovering, at a rather remedial pace, the story of Christ's birth. In the apex of the show, she finally pieces together all the elements - Mary was told she would conceive a son, shepherds saw angels who proclaimed the birth of the Messiah, a star led wise men to the newborn King of Kings. Often, it is in moments that I'm in the middle of teaching that unbeknownst to the listener God is actually teaching me. This was one of those occasions. I stood in the spotlight recounting the details before the crowd and suddenly realized something: not one of the parties involved on that fateful night in our salvation history had the luxury of the full picture of the events!

Maybe that seems rather obvious, but think about it: The wise men only knew they needed to follow a star, the shepherds only heard the angels proclaiming Messiah, Mary stored up the beautiful prophecies pronounced about her son in amazement. Each had his or her own compartmentalized role, knowing nothing of the many and miraculous others. It was not until much later that all of those parties came together in a linear story for us to enjoy and recount.

So often in life, we want the whole scoop from God regarding our own circumstances, don't we? We want to know what He's doing and every move He's making on our behalf. We get so frustrated because we can't see everything that's going on and so we often mistake that limited vision for inactivity on our Lord's part. We throw up our hands in impatience and frustration because we feel entitled to have the knowlege of the angels, the shepherds, the wise men, and even the camel if it can make us feel like we're somewhat in control! All the while, the Lord longs to remind us that, far from the main point of the story, it's simply not all about us. We tend to look to ourselves as the heros and heroines of the plot, while truthfully, our role is to use our vantage point to draw near and command attention to something - or rather Someone - else.

What a beautiful reminder the story of our Savior's birth is, that we don't have to have all the details, we don't have to be burdened by those things - that our imperfection and poor timing don't keep us from God's best for us. Our Father can orchestrate the story perfectly with each of us right where he or she is, and we need only a faith-filled and willing heart, not the inside track. Notice, despite all they didn't know, all those men and women of the Nativity ended up right where they were supposed to in that story: on their knees before the Savior. And that is where you and I are being called as well, sweet friends.

During this season of remembrance, can we let our hearts be humbled? Let's allow this time of celebration to remind us that we need only keep our focus on Yeshua, Jesus. We don't have to keep the story of our lives going. God is moving, He is working, He has not forgotten about the tiniest of details, and His timing is just right. I pray that as you wait, as you dream, as you walk, as you live out your faith, that this small reminder brings the sweet blessing of releasing your grip and instead raising your hands in praise. After all, God is with us!

Blessings to you and yours from the Tadlocks!

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Rejoicing in the Roadblocks

I can't help but note these days that there is a common thread running through my life and those of many of my good friends, with our conversations peppered with dialogue like this...

"Everything was really happening, I thought it was taking off, and then..."

"I've been working so hard, trying so hard to get things off the ground, but there's just one problem..."

"I'm doing everything I know how to do, and nothing seems to be working!"

If you haven't ever felt this way before, know that a time will inevitably come when you find yourself desperately trying to get things done, waiting anxiously and expectantly, running and pursuing and fighting, but then...boom! Roadblock. And when that happens, you can end up feeling exhausted and hurt and discouraged, tired of spinning your wheels and unsure of whether to keep pressing on or give up forever.


What makes it more frustrating is when our pursuits are not ungodly ones - when we have ministry passions and dreams, hopes for family planning, desires for fulfilling relationships and ambitions for successful careers. When we are daughters of God Most High and we find ourselves not feeling successful in our endeavors, especially ones that, in our minds, would honor the Lord, what are we to do? How in the world can we find joy and peace and persevere in the midst of things not going according to plan?

• Don't Buy in to the 'Grass is Greener' Mentality

I know when there's something I particularly want that God has me waiting for or has even said no to, suddenly everyone around me seems to be having it and talking about it. The truth is, that is not really the case, it's just that our senses are just heightened to it. Often we deal with our frustration by looking outward and comparing our lives with others, and because we are upset, we often make irrational and incorrect assumptions. Someone may indeed have what it is you want, but trust me, they have their own unique set of frustrations and setbacks. The grass is not greener on the other side. That's not where the answer lies.



• Beware of the Inward Insanity Cycle

Another of my favorite coping mechanisms is introspective rumination. I go over and over things that I have done, should have done, wish I had the guts to do, and play out the scenarios in my head until I have worked myself into a complete froth. This is far from healthy. At some point, we've got to know that we're doing all we can do, trust God and let it go! Getting too focused on ourselves isn't the answer either.



• Don't Take Your Ball and Go Home

Not long ago I had a conversation with a well-known author who was advising me about writing a book. He said something that has stayed with me since our meeting: "It's not the writers who want to write that make it  - it's the writers who have to." If God has given you a vision, a desire, a call or a standard, then you have to pursue it. Imagine if Abraham had given up waiting for a child or Moses had given up reaching the promised land. Remind yourself -daily, even hourly if necessary - that when it comes to things God promises us and calls us to, quitting is not an option. To be fair, I must tell you that you may not end up at the destination you had envisioned. The Scriptures tell us if we delight ourselves in Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts - but it may not look like our limited human idea of the picture-perfect happy ending. God knows what's best for us, and He has a way of steering us to the perfect place, and the vehicle that drives us there are those desires, those callings, those dreams. So if you want to receive it, you must press on, you must stay in the game.



• Start with Anger, End with Shame

When all else fails, when we've blamed ourselves and still feel bad, when we've blamed everyone else and still find no rest, then it is easy to get angry with God. Be so careful Beloved. There is nothing wrong with being honest with God that you are upset or angry - but too often I've seen great walks falter when that feeling of powerlessness led them to anger and disrespect toward the Maker. At the root of anger is really just sadness and hurt - the 'mad' is just a defense mechanism. Don't choose that way to cope, friends. If you're broken and sad, then be that, share that with Him in honesty. He knows how you feel anyway. But shut Him out, shake your first at Him, and that can only lead to the additional pain of humbling and discipline that will follow.


There is always another way of looking at things.

Like roadblocks in general, for instance. What are they anyway? When we encounter them in our cars, we can readily accept that even if inconvenient, they are there to protect us. As I write this my head swells with the image of a YouTube video I recently watched that showed water washing a concrete road completely away in Colorado. Imagine if we as drivers disregarded the warning signs and blockades and drove right into a situation like that? Suddenly there's no more road to follow and we're in a situation that is detrimental to our vehicle, dangerous to us and those around us, and even potentially deadly.


Beloved, what if instead of clamoring to our coping mechanisms and saying "Why, God, why?" we had the faith and trust in our amazing Savior to know that if He puts a roadblock up in our lives, it's for a really good reason? Do we trust Him enough to know for sure that He wants us to experience joy, that He wants to bless us as His kids, and that He knows the best path to get there?

 Meet Griffin

I'm not sure if you've seen the film Men in Black 3, but my husband and I just watched it for the first time a few weeks ago. There is a character that I thought of when writing this and it gave me a giggle, so I thought I'd share. Above is a picture of the actor who portrays an alien in the movie, named Griffin, who has the unique ability to calculate every possible outcome for every action in every dimension of the universe. He drives the main characters crazy with his antics and goings on about which reality he's in and how the most minute shift in behavior can cause serious changes in the world later on. Griffin falls short of God's character in a lot of ways, but in one sense he does exhibit similar behavior - for because of Griffin's insight and assistance, the lives of many are saved. God is seeking to save you from the hurt and frustration and danger of the wrong path for your life if He is blocking you. Be comforted, friends - it's not a punishment, but an act of mercy instead.


I'm going to submit to you that we should be rejoicing in the roadblocks, for they are the Lord's sweet provision and protection in our lives. What an honor, God cares enough about little old you and me that He wants to intervene, to direct our paths. The almighty, powerful creator of the entire universe delights in every detail of our lives! When you look at it like that, it doesn't seem so bad, does it?


So how do we combat our instinctive, defensive thinking? Here are a few suggestions:

• Count - and Recount - Your Blessings

Following the sweet day that my Savior finally won my heart forever, events that were nothing short of miraculous took place in my life - trust me, I needed (and still do!) a LOT of intervention. He met me right where I was to draw me to Himself and gave me the most beautiful story. I've learned the importance of documenting that story, because in times of crisis, when my faith fails me, and I begin to doubt God's ability to know what's best, I go back to my story. I remember that we have history together, that He is very intentionally steering my ship, and He has never let me down. And that helps me hold on, to again release my grip and restore my trust in my long-time, ever-faithful Captain and King. Beloved, I hope that if you are walking with the Lord, that you have begun documenting the journey. If not, why not begin today?



• Celebrate Vicariously

A few weeks ago my Bible study class at church was studying John 4, which recounts Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well. I love the end of the story, and I envy their community in a way... because while we in modern times tend to compare our lives with others in an envious way, the Samaritan community celebrated the woman's story, through it the faith of many was ignited and bolstered. What if, instead of looking upon someone experiencing victory in the Lord with jealousy, we allowed it to encourage us? To remind us that God is working, He is answering prayers, He is alive. Rejoice in the victories of others, remembering that this God is your God too! The more you encourage a sharing within your circles, the more you will see Him moving, and ultimately you will believe that He is, He can and He will do for you too.



• Walk the Perimeter of Your Land

In Abram's day, to walk the perimeter of a land was the equivalent of signing the transfer of land ownership documents. So in Genesis 17 when God has him walk around the entire promised land, God was legally and officially handing it over to him and his descendants. While it would be hundreds of years before those descendants, the tribes of Israel, would cross over and begin to inhabit that land, it was in that moment that they began to own it. And soon after that occurred, Abram's name was even changed to Abraham, reflecting that new role and call. If God has given you a promise, a call, or a passion, walk the perimeter and begin to own it! If you want to be a wife, study up on what God says a good one should be and pursue those qualities now. If you want a ministry, begin ministering with those who God brings to you each day. Don't sit back and wait for the circumstances to present themselves. Instead, become, right where you are now, who God is calling you to be.


• Read, Remember, Refocus

While re-channeling that negative self-talk and combating envy are great things, this final suggestion's value far outweighs the others mentioned above. For there is nothing so powerful as the Word of God to restore our perspective, to heal, to allow the Holy Spirit to communicate with our hearts. When you are hitting a roadblock, there are countless testimonies of other men and women in Scripture who came before us, whose stories can provide great comfort. For instance, think of Balaam, who was on the wrong path, whose "willful" donkey served as a way of protecting him from sinning against God and death. Remind yourself of the moment when Israel found itself between an army and a sea, and God performed a miracle in order that they made a way to safety just in the nick of time. Know that Elisha's and Daniel's visions of the vast angel army fighting spiritual battles is still active and working with you even now. God is revealing to you in His word just how capable He is. The more time we spend familiarizing ourselves with its contents, the more assured we will be of His motives and attributes, His great might and His perfect timing.

Final Thought

Be encouraged, Beloved. You are not wasting your time, and you are not alone. Whatever it is you are waiting for, don't give up! God is simply working out His perfect plan in your life. As I close, I leave you with this final verse:

He has made everything beautiful in its time.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

So rejoice in the roadblocks! Hold on to that promise, my sweet friends; hold on to Him. I pray blessings over your journey and I hope this brings you comfort as you are stretched, as you prepare, as you wait, as you grow and finally, as you become all that He has designed you and destined you to be.


Blessings!

Appreciating our Atonement: Yom Kippur Made Simple

Perhaps Yom Kippur is a day that has passed on your calendar year after year and you never paid much attention. Though we in modern Christianity tend to think of it typically as a "Jewish thing," my hope for readers of this blog is that you to begin to understand that the precious words of God transcend religion. Words from YHWH are first and foremost a God thing, worthy of our attention and investigation, at the very least. So even if you don't particularly feel inclined to observe these Old Testament Moedim (Hebrew for "Appointed Times"), let me challenge you to better understand what it's all about - when you see what a beautiful picture it paints of our Messiah's love and care for us, when you are enlightented to the powerful and prophetic day that points to our victory in Christ Jesus, you might just change your mind. But first thing's first: Read Leviticus 16 all the way through.

An Annual Event

It's a long passage, and I'm going to begin by pointing out something toward the end of it. Notice the summary of this annual feast day is in verses 29-31:

This shall be a permanent statute for you: in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall humble your soul and not do any work, whether the native, or the alien who sojourns among you; for it is on this day that atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you; you will be clean from all your sins before the lord. It is to be a sabbath of solemn rest for you,
that you may humble your souls; it is a
permanent statute.

By now you have probably seen calendar of God on this blog enough that you are pretty familiar with it. Let's look at the Moedim of the Lord yet again:

We've seen how, as pictured above, the spring holidays are prophetic pictures of events that occurred during the first coming of our Messiah - His death for our sin, His death and burial, His resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We also looked at the first of the fall feasts, which have yet to be fulfilled and serve as reminders of the events in God's salvation plan that have yet to be. Yom Teruah/The Feast of Trumpets), we learned, is an annual wake up call, pointing to the Trump of God that will one day signal the judgement of God and the grand entrance of our Messiah's second coming.


Each of these events are annual commemorations, celebrating what the Lord has been faithful to fulfill thus far and reminding us of the events that are still to come. The purpose is to help us to keep the big picture of what this life is all about on the front burner of our minds all year long. What a kind and patient God He is; He knows that our tendency is to forget, and so He set these days in motion to gently nudge us to keep our focus and our attention on Him.


The Day of Atonement is no different. It is a day to stop, to pause, to reflect and to remember. But what exactly is it all about? And if we who follow Jesus Christ are dead to our sins and have made Him Lord of our lives, how is this relevant to us at all? Aren't we already "clean"? Do we need a day each year to atone for our sin?

A Physical Event Depicting a Future Spiritual Event

If we are in a faith relationship grounded in the sacrifice of Christ for our atonement, then no, we do not rely upon this Yom Kippur for our own removal of sin. It is no longer about that. But as we await our Messiah's return and look to a day that sin no longer dwells among us, we can look back to the sacrifice that made our freedom possible. This day, for believers in Christ, is a memorial, a solemn day of reflecting and honoring the sacrifice that was made on our behalf, of the cost of our freedom. When I think of what has been forgiven and washed away from my own life, I reckon spending one day meditating on that is the very least I could do!

We have to remember that while these things actually happened, they served as prophetic pictures - tangible, worldly practices that had spiritual implications for us. In the details of the prescribed ritual itself, the ones we would normally be tempted to look over, we find our answer to what this day is all about.

Often I try to take myself to an "aerial view" of what is happening when I read passages like this. I look at the very basic picture and try to think about where I have seen it before in other places in Scriptures. Let's take a look at a few of the images here in this ritual we see in these verses :

          The High Priest (vs 2-4)

In the first few verses, Moses is told that people are not able, and are not even allowed to simply make atonement for themselves. Someone has to do it on their behalf - in this case, a high priest. And he was not to come before God in his typical beautiful attire. He had to remove all of the colorful adornment you see pictured here. He had to don a simple, humble white tunic.

When I read this, I remember that while Aaron was the high priest of the Old Testament Scriptures, he was but a shadow of the High Priest that presides over us now, who is our messiah, who humbled Himself that He might make atonement on our behalf when we could not do it for ourselves.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

 Hebrews 4:14-15

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:5-8

Beloved, we cannot do anything to become right with God. Nothing we can do - no penance, no good deed, could erase our sinful past. And we all have a sinful past, according to God. But thankfully, there is One who was willing to go before us, to approach God when we could not, to intercede, to make restitution, to make peace with God possible for us.

  The Scapegoat (vs 5-10, 20-22)                       

 In modern vernacular, we think of a scapegoat as a person who is made to bear the blame for others or to suffer in another's place. This term has survived thousands of years and comes from this passage in Leviticus.

Again, from our big picture view, we see that two goats are presented before God - one will be sacrificed, and the other is sent into the wilderness, "to a solitary land," bearing the weight of the sin of Israel on itself.

There are many volumes of commentaries written by experts who will know more than I ever will about biblical study who have speculated as to the meaning of these two goats. But I will humbly offer you my speculation as to the spiritual implications here. The two goats serve two separate functions involved in the atonement - the blood of the one goat 'atones' for the sin, covers for it. It serves as a substitute, paying what is due for the sin of the sinner. The other goat bearing the sin is sent away. In a sense, it is the sin that is being sent away and not the goat. The meaning implied is that it is going so far away it will never return - it is gone forever.

When I think of the atoning work of Christ, I see that these two goats very much relate to two aspects of our atonement today. Jesus did die on the cross to serve as a substitute for us, taking onto Himself all that we deserved, as it says in the Scriptures:

Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.

Isaiah 53:4-6

Yet, when I wake up every morning, I don't know about you, but I still struggle with sin. I drive to work every morning and that sin nature bubbles to the surface when someone cuts me off. I see its effects in the world through hurting, heartache, disease, loss, death, hatred. Sin is very much still a part of the world today. And that is where I think the second goat - the Scapegoat - comes in.

We read about the fulfillment of the day of atonement in Revelation 20 and 21, during the great judgment at the throne of God. Here those who are in the Book of Life, who have trusted Jesus as their Messiah, are separated from those who have not. Here is where we find  death and Hades cast away, and every other effect that sin has brought to the world.

...and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will be no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.

Revelation 21:4

So, in one sense, we know that our atonement is secure and final in Jesus; but we can look forward to a day when the sin struggle and its nasty side effects are completely removed from our world, and when our amazing, merciful God, there will at long last dwell among us, with no more sin serving as a barrier between us.

                The Sacrifices (vs. 11-19)

This image is not an easy one to look at. It's overwhelmingly gruesome. Some of you will wonder why I would post something like this. But I do it intentionally because we need to understand something very important from these verses about the animals that died. Atonement and grace are free for you and me, but they DO cost something. In order for us to have the freedom that we enjoy, something else -Someone else - had to lose life. We should never forget that.



When we come to these verses about Aaron bringing the sacrifices, we must be careful not to skim past them. Let that image sink in. The beautiful veil inside that temple was splashed and stained. When Aaron emerged in his white garments, he was no doubt filthy and soaked. Atonement is a dirty job. So often we take the gift with no recognition of the tremendous pain Jesus underwent for us. When we fail to see this picture, it is much easier for us to return to our sinful lifestyle. But when I think of the cost...when I see this and know that it should have been me...something sickens me and I stop in my tracks. How much more grateful we are able to be when we see this physical picture of what we were spared from. And what He did for us. Hallelujah!

Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

Hebrews 10:11-14

Appreciating Our Atonement

 

So after reading all the background, I submit to you that this Day of Atonement, this God-instituted day of fasting and repentance, is a wonderful opportunity. In my house, we make it a day to spend time before the Lord thinking about the past year, doing some self-reflection and allowing the Holy Spirit to identify some areas where we need teaching and healing in the coming year. We repent, we make goals, we make commitments to God and to one another. It is also a day of praising and commemorating Jesus the Messiah as our high priest, who went in to the holy of holies on the day of His crucifixion to atone for our sins. Isaiah depicts it best in his words,


Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke?


The Lord instituted this day that it would be a time to address and release you from the bondage of the footholds you are currently encountering. It is a day of new beginnings. Of self observation. And of repentance, so that you can truly live freely in your freedom.

Maybe next time Yom Kippur rolls around you can try to think of it as this - and if you do, maybe it can help focus your thoughts if you ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the way I'm living my life honoring the freedom which Christ's sacrifice purchased for me? If not, in what way? why?

• What sins have become part of my regular behavior and character that I need to address and repent of?

• How am I showing gratitude to God for my freedom through my lifestyle, attitudes, and my words? What needs to change?

God doesn’t at all want us to live in shame, but we do need to feel the weight of our intentional sins. They should give us grief and sorrow. We should never have the attitude of “Eh, Jesus died for me, so I can live how I want.” No, as Paul says, we should not "continue in sin that grace may abound." And John says that no one who lives in Him keeps on sinning. If we are truly saved, if we truly know God, there should be evidence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, transforming our old sinful habits into a lifestyle of holiness that honors and exalts Him. We will never be perfect, but our hearts and minds should be striving toward being a holy vessel, equipped for His use.

I hope you find this helpful in your walk, Beloved. I pray for you continually and am grateful for your continued reading and response.

Blessings!