Scripture

“But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sin year after year.” Hebrews 10:3

Reflections

In the movie “Groundhog Day”, the main character, Bill Murray, wakes up to the same day over and over and over again.  That’s what the sacrificial system in the Old Testament was like.  Year after year on the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, the people would offer sacrifices for their sins.  The next day, they were back to their sinful and unforgiven ways.  The blood of bulls and goats never fully took away the people’s sins.  It was an endless cycle, granting forgiveness only once a year.

With Jesus, we see God in a different way.  His death on the cross was the sacrifice that ended all sacrifices.  All our sins have been forgiven, once for all.

To be honest, there is nothing we can do to make God forgive us.  That will only come by God’s choice as a gift.  There is no need for repeated sacrifices of bulls and goats.  As the psalmist reminds us in Psalm 51, “You have no delight in sacrifice.  …  The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”  When we do turn to the Lord God in faith, we are reminded that “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.” (Lam. 3:22-23a)  

We don't have to wake up every morning to the reoccurring nightmare of an unforgiven life.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for being the sacrifice to end all sacrifices.  I receive your forgiveness this day with gratitude.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Hebrews 10:1-10