Bad things will always happen in life. We will always wonder why God allows bad things. The key to being at peace with God and at peace with others is finding the real significance of the matter in the big scheme of things—or bigger purpose of God. One thing you can be sure of is God always has a redemptive purpose and plan behind everything that happens in life! The more we look for His redemptive purposes and values, the greater peace we will have.
Seeing the significance in the LORD’s atonement is a way God opens our eyes to the deeper truths of life. In the Old Testament God prescribed the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) as a day of confession to cleanse the soul from sin. “For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the LORD. It is a sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you shall afflict your souls. It is a statute forever” (Leviticus 16:30-32).
It was the one day of the year when the high priest would go into the tabernacle, behind the veil into the Holy of Holies, and sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice over the Mercy Seat. From within the cloud over the ark, God would see the sacrificial blood as evidence of man’s atonement of sin; reversing His judgment to mercy. Today He sees the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ, who became the once in for all sacrificial substitute!
RELEVANCE
David came to understand that God always had a greater plan. He simply looked for a heart that would soften, see the effect of sin, choose God’s will and change direction—God’s way. “You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand—you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings…I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart” (Psalm 40:6-8).
REFLECT AND RELATE
Have you settled the issue in your heart that the LORD’s single sacrifice has permanently established your position of right-standing, or justification before God?
Are there any works you believe you have to accomplish to “earn points” with God… or earn His approval?
REFERENCES
Hebrews 10:1-10; Colossians 2:13-17