The Jewish holiday Yom Kippur begins this evening at sunset. Yesterday morning I got an email about the holiday from Chosen People Ministries. I learned that, as always, the holiday traditions that God gave the Jews pointed forward to their coming Messiah. I’ve posted links below, but here are some excerpts:

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar. The Bible prescribes Yom Kippur as a day of affliction (Leviticus 16; 23:26-32). In the ancient world, the High Priest woke up early, donned his priestly garments, and sacrificed a bull for both himself and his family. He then cast lots over two goats, choosing one for the Lord and designating the other as the goat to remove sin…

…Followers of Jesus the Messiah confidently look forward to eternal life, because our names are written in the Book of Life. When Jesus died, the veil of the Holy of Holies ripped in two, symbolically breaking a barrier between humans and the presence of God. Previously, only the High Priest had access to this room, and he only entered it once a year on Yom Kippur (Matt. 27:51). However, Jesus’ death gives believers access to God, because He entered into the Heavenly Holy of Holies to offer His blood for our redemption (Heb 9:11-12). Unlike the Israelites’ annual sacrifices on Yom Kippur, Jesus’ one sacrifice continues to provide atonement to this day…

One thing that strikes me is that God always made a way for people to have their sin forgiven. His desire is that his chosen people, Israel, will accept the redemption he offers through Jesus the Messiah. So, pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and for Messianic Jewish groups like Chosen People Ministries who are so instrumental in helping their brothers find that peace.

You can read more at Chosen People Ministries’ website.

For a more general, newbie-Gentile-friendly overview, check out their FAQ page.

Thanks for reading!
Shalom,
Jan

I am linked up this week with Jen at the Soli Deo Gloria blog party.