“. . .for it is the blood that makes an atonement for the soul.”
Leviticus 17:11b
As the old Gospel song says “I must needs go Home by the way of the Cross, There’s no other way but this.”
That day when Jesus died on the Cross was a day unlike any other in history. And, even in the days still to come, there’ll never be another day like it—for there’s no need for it ever to be repeated again (Heb. 9:28-10:18).
Even the most faithful Bible students must admit that reading through Leviticus is a tedious task. The numerous laws for this and that and our unfamiliarity with them truly make it slow going. Yet, when we get to the various sacrifices and the need for a “shedding of blood before there could be a remission/forgiveness of sin” (Heb. 9:22), we begin to catch a glimpse as to why Jesus had to die for us on the Cross.
In establishing all of these laws and sacrifices the God of Abraham was preparing them for the One He would send. Even in the Garden of Eden when the first couple had to leave because of their “wages of sin,” they were “clothed in coats of skins” (Gen. 3:21), which meant something had to die in order for their nakedness to be covered.
Likewise, that night when the Death Angel passed over Egypt during the 10th plague, only those who’d obediently daubed the blood of a sacrificial lamb on the doorpost and lintel of their house would not lose their firstborn son (Ex. 12:21-36). There, as is stated in today’s Manna, “it was the blood that made an atonement (covering) for their souls.”
That’s why we shouldn’t be surprised when John began crying “Behold, the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world” when Jesus arrived on the scene (Jn. 1:29, 36). Although he would not understand all the ins-and-outs of his saying. . .and later would even wonder if “He was the One or if he should look for another” (Mt. 11:2-3). . .we can rest assured that Jesus’ response to him (vv.4-6) comforted his heart as his death drew near.
Truly, that Day when Jesus’ Blood poured out—covering the Cross and the ground below—He became the Supreme Sacrifice and brought an end to the need of daily sacrifices and the continual “shedding of blood.” HE. . .the “greater than High Priest”. . .became the sin-offering. HE. . .the Giver became the Gift. And, no longer would there be a need for the earthly high priest to enter the Holy of Holies on the 10th day of the seventh month to make atonement for his sins and the sins of the people (Lev. 16:29-34); neither would there be a need for someone to lead a scapegoat out into the wilderness and leave it to symbolize a taking away of their sins from them.
All because of Jesus’ Death on the Cross.
His Blood covered the new Mercy Seat—man’s wood covered by God’s Gold. And, when He ascended back to the Father, He “entered into that Heavenly Holy of Holies where He now makes intercession for us” (Heb. 6:19-20; 7:24-25). And, it’s still through His Blood that we’re “reconciled to God and cleansed from the guilt of our sin” (Rom. 5:6-11; Heb. 9:14). Hallelujah!! Thank You, Lord.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna October 30, 2010
