From a CHRISTian Perspective 

Introduction: What does this Jewish holiday mean to CHRISTians? This devotion will compare and contrast both the Old Testament and the New Testament perspective of the Jewish Feasts called “Yom Kippur.”

1. The Sacrifices offered! (Lev 16:15-17; Matt 27:33-37)

“And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36And sitting down they watched him there; And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” 

“15Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat: 16And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness.”

In the Old Testament, the high priest would repeat this sacrifice year after year. Why? Because it only COVERED the people’s sin. But in the New Testament, Jesus Christ’s sacrifice was ONCE and for ALL! Why? Because His blood not only COVERS the believer’s sin but continually CLEANSES the believer from sin!

The writer under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, writes the following to clarify this truth:

“12Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Heb 9:12-14)

“But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” (Heb 10:3, 4)

There’s POWER in the BLOOD! Have you been washed in the BLOOD of the LAMB?

Again: “11And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Heb 10:11- 14)

Hallelujah! What a Savior!!

2. The Holiest of All, behind the veil! (Heb 9:3-11)

“3And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; 4Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; 5And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. 6Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. 7But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: 8The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience… 11But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building.”

Again the writer explains: “23It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” (Heb 9:23- 26)

Now through faith in Jesus Christ and by His BLOOD, we have access to His THRONE of GRACE, into the holiest of all.

Introduction: In our last devotion we studied the subject of the Jewish Feast called “Yom Kippur” or “Day of Atonement.” Remember these feasts were “TIME OUTS”! Every year these 7 feasts are celebrated in Israel. While the Church derives benefits from these Jewish Feasts, they were given by God to the Jews to practice every year. The Day of Atonement is observed 10 days after the Feasts of Trumpets, or the New Year.

These 10 days leading up to the Feasts of Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement – are the most solemn and holy days of the year. It is a time to get right with God, confess sin, and make restitution where it is needed.

1. Present (Lev 16)

Remember the 2 goats (slain and scape)? These were a foreshadowing of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. Some Jews are still waiting for their Messiah. However, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ has already been born, died on a cross for our sins, and risen from the grave. Presently, there is not a temple standing on the Temple Mount for the Jews to go into the Holy Place and worship, while the high priest goes where the Ark of the Covenant was located sprinkling the blood on the mercy seat 7 times.

Therefore, they pray at the Western Wall in hopes of their soon coming Messiah to appear.

2. Future (Ezek 40-47; Zech 14:4-14; Rom 11:26) (Zech 12:10)

Introduction: Do you recognize the title? It is otherwise known as the “Day of Atonement.” Moses, after being informed by the Lord, instructed the Jewish people concerning the 6th of the 7 Jewish Feasts. This is recorded in the 23rd chapter of Leviticus.

“26And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 27Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. 28And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.” (Lev 23:26- 28)

1. First, Aaron was to make atonement for himself and his house with a SLAIN GOAT!

“2And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat. 3Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering. 4He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on. 5And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering. 6And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.” (Lev 16:2-6)

2. Next, Aaron would cast lots to see which goat would be the SLAIN Goat and which would be the SCAPEGOAT!

3. Then Aaron would lay his hands on the SCAPEGOAT and confess the people’s sins and then lead the goat into the wilderness.

Conclusion: Both of these goats – SLAIN and SCAPEGOAT would be prototypes of Jesus Christ. Looking back in retrospect, Jesus fulfilled both requirements to be SLAIN and with His blood to take away sin – not just cover, and needed to be repeated year after year. In addition, Jesus fulfilled the SCAPEGOAT which symbolically took away the people’s sins.

Bottom line: A holy God made provisions for sinful man to have forgiveness and fellowship with Him.

Praise the Lord!

Introduction: Have you ever seen a U-HAUL behind a hearse? Probably not. Why? Because we will not be able to take anything with us to heaven except what we’ve done FOR and THRU Jesus Christ. That is why Jesus told us (and His disciples) not to lay up our treasures on earth where rust can decay and thieves break into your house and steal. Rather, He said to lay up our treasures in heaven.

“19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt 6:19,20)

1. How can we lay up treasures in heaven?

“20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” (Matt 6:20)

Witnessing and leading another person to Jesus is laying up your treasures in heaven. Paul wrote about receiving a “Crown of Rejoicing” at the Judgement Seat of Christ.” Living a holy life, overcoming the world, and looking for Jesus to return are all ways we can lay up our treasures in heaven. 

2. How can we tell we are laying up treasures in heaven?

“1For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt 6:21)

How do you spend your time? Entertainment? Show me your checkbook…that will be an indicator of where your heart is.

Please do an honest evaluation of your life.

3. Are you laying up treasures in heaven?

“1For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt 6:21)

Are you growing spiritually? Are you concerned for those who are not CHRISTians? Are you spending any time trying to reach the lost? Do you have spiritual disciplines in your life?

Conclusion: Planning for your eternal future is as important if not more than planning for your earthly future; i, e. jobs, retirement, college, upkeep on house, investments, etc.

We can purpose in our hearts to begin or continue to “lay up our treasures in heaven”.

Will you today?

Introduction: Hopeless times require an Anchor of Hope! Will you throw out the anchor of Hope? If you do not, you will miss out on opportunities of blessing. Speaking of anchors, I am reminded of growing up as a boy and fishing – navigating through the water in a boat. Searching for where the fish were biting became the goal of the expedition. Once we discovered where the fish were hiding or bedding, we would need to slow down and to throw out the anchor, less we drift right pass the “honey hole”! Any delay in chunking the heavy metal anchor would result in a MISSED OPPORTUNITY. But throwing out the Anchor would usually result in a nice catch of fish. So it is when it comes to the CHRISTian life – missed opportunities. Unless, like our passage teaches, we “Throw our the Anchor.”

1. Throw out the Anchor of TRUST when you are going through a Storm!

“Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:” (Heb 6:17)

Two thoughts. First, since we are “heirs” or inheritors, then secondly, we should listen to the “counsel”- advice- wisdom of our heavenly Father.

Are you teachable? Have you gotten a “know it all attitude”? Are you leadable? With so much false info going around do you just trust in yourself?

2. Throw out the Anchor of TRUTH when you are going through a Dark Day of Deception!

“18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:” (Heb 6:18)

Three words sum up this verse.
* Delusion
* Confusion
* Perversion

Are you searching for TRUTH? Watch out who you listen to and where you go! Go to the Word of God!!

3. Throw out the Anchor of TRIUMPH when you are going through a Test or Trial!

“19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 20Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Heb 6:19,20)

Jesus has already “BEEN THERE” “DONE THAT” except for sin. Therefore, we should listen to Him, and follow Him.
Are you?

Conclusion: Will you throw out the Anchor? Please do not MISS out on the opportunities our Lord has for you.

Introduction: Joshua had every reason to be afraid. Are you finding yourself living in FEAR? Or FAITH? FAITH in God’s WORD….His promises. Joshua’s task was daunting to say the least. To go where you had never been, to lead a whole nation of people, and to drive out ALL the inhabitants of the land, all required MOUNTAIN MOVING FAITH! Are you facing a daunting task of living a holy life in an unholy world, staying focused on God’s WILL when everything seems like it is pulling you against it, and overcoming fearful thoughts and feelings when fear and worry are knocking at your door daily?

1. You can be STRONG in the Lord and exercise FAITH instead of FEAR by listening to the Lord!

“Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, 2Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.” (Jos 1:1,2)

2. You can be STRONG in the Lord and exercise FAITH instead of FEAR by OBEYING the Lord!

“3Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses. …..5There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 6Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. 7Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant.” (Jos 1:3-7)

Are you obeying the Lord in what you know to do?

3. You can be STRONG in the Lord and exercise FAITH instead of FEAR by meditating on the Word of God!

Conclusion: May our Lord strengthen our FAITH in Him as we fight our FEAR by LISTENING, OBEYING, and MEDITATING on His Word both day and night!

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Jos 1:9)

Introduction: This devotion is a continuation of our study on the Jewish Feast – called “Feast of Trumpets”. Moses was instructed by the Lord to give these “Timeouts” to the Jewish  people for the purpose of practicing them on an annual basis.

“1And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.” (Lev 23:1,2)

There are (3) Feasts in the Spring:

1. Passover

2. Unleavened Bread

There is (1) Feast in the summer:

There are (3) Feasts in the Fall:

1. Trumpets

2. Day of Atonement

Moses writes,

“3And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 24Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. 25Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.” (Lev 23:23-25)

 The shofar was blown 100 times each day during the Feast of Trumpets. As mentioned in Part 1 of our study, the “Feast of Trumpets” identifies more with the second coming of Jesus Christ than the rapture. Why? First, keep in mind, Moses is writing to the Jewish nation of Israel NOT the Church. Second, the message of the rapture is written to the Church NOT Israel (see Paul’s epistles to the Church of Corinth, Thessalonians, and Philippians, etc in regards to the Church and the rapture). There are those Jews who died before the Church was established; howbeit, today a Jew can be a part of the Church as they put their faith & trust in Jesus. Jesus spoke concerning the last days to His disciples in Matthew 24, which parallels with the “Feast of Trumpets”.

Keep in mind, the purpose of Matthew’s gospel was to present Jesus Christ as the KING of the JEWS. Jesus will come in the RAPTURE as the BRIDEGROOM, but in His second coming as the KING of Israel. Again, this is in reference to Jesus’ second coming.

Listen to the terminology:

“29Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” (Matt 24:29-31)

Obviously, this is the catastrophic time during the tribulation (not before the rapture) and at the second coming of Christ. The focal point is God’s plan for the Jewish people through the tribulation and into the millennial reign of Christ. Many Jews who have rejected their Messiah will be saved….

“… and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.” (Zech 12:10, etc.)

Conclusion: So these special time-outs during the Jewish calendar have significant agricultural, historical, and prophetical implications. For us, it is a time to reflect on God’s faithfulness to both the Jewish people and the Church.

He will keep His promises!

Introduction: Have you ever heard of Rosh Hashanah? The Jews call it the “Feasts of Trumpets.” This year it will be celebrated on Sept 6-8, 2021. Remember the seven (7) Jewish feasts were given by Moses from God to the Jewish people, not the Church.

However, we the Church – which are comprised of believers who put their faith in the death, burial, resurrection of Jesus Christ are not the same as the Jews 2,000 years before Jesus’ resurrection. Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection was 2,000 years after God’s dealing with Abraham and his descendants.

However, we do derive benefits from these wonderful Jewish Feasts…but they were not given to the Church but the Jews.
There are some today, who may have good intentions, that demand we (the Church) practice these Jewish feasts. But that is incorrect, even though we should study and appreciate them as the Jews enjoy these holidays.

Here are the 7 listed in Leviticus 23:

All of these Jewish feasts have an agricultural, historical, and prophetical significance.

These were given by the Lord to remind His people to STOP and reflect on His plan and purpose for His people. In addition, these feasts are a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and second coming. Keep in mind, the rapture is for the Church, not the Jews, although Jews can be saved through trusting in Jesus and become a part of the Church. The Old Testament saints were a part of God’s plan for Israel. Both (Church & Israel, Jews) are to be distinguished from each other as we read our Bibles. Clearly, God’s dealing and promises yet to be fulfilled with Abraham, David and their descendants is a different futuristic plan than that for the early Church.

Jesus will come back for His bride the Church, first. Then after the tribulation, He will come again and establish His unconditional Covenants with the Jews – as they put their trust in Him. Jesus Christ’s second coming, 7 years after the rapture, will have a great meaning and fulfillment for the Jewish people as they go on into the millennium.

Therefore, “The feasts of Trumpets” is identified with the trumpets sounding with Jesus Christ’s second coming. (Don’t forget the RAPTURE is for the Church – 1Thess 4:16-18; 1Cor 15:52-56.)

Introduction: Do you feel safe? What will make you feel secure? Where can we go to find Peace and Comfort? How about reading Psalm 46? I just got off the phone after praying with a daddy whose daughter fainted and was rushed to the hospital….2 text messages were received earlier requesting prayer for loved ones diagnosed with Covid. In the last week, this Pastor has had 3 friends who have passed away and also had the privilege of seeing 2 of them receive Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior and then baptizing 2 of them.

1. Because in the ARMS of JESUS is a POWERFUL PLACE!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psa 46:1,2)

2. Because in the ARMS of JESUS is a PEACEFUL PLACE!

3. Because in the ARMS of JESUS is a PERSONAL PLACE!

“4There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. “5God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early…. 10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psa 46:4,5,10)

Introduction: Have you lost your hope? How can you get it back? One way is by reading and trusting in God’s Word, especially the book of Revelation. Our Lord reveals what is to come in the future. Have you read this apocalyptic writing?

1. How can we have “Hope and Healing” for our Hearts?

“1And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” (Rev 22:1)

How can we find hope?

* by drinking the water of life freely!

“1And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal…..” (Rev 22:1) 

“And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev 22:17)

This is the great invitation. In John’s gospel, Jesus invited any and all to come and drink from His everlasting fountain.

“37In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”

Are you thirsty? Once there was a Samaritan woman who needed to drink of that living water.

“7There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water….. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.” (John 4:7f)

Jesus said, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14)

Once she tasted the living water her eyes were opened and her heart was quickened by the greatest Lover of her soul, Jesus Christ; consequently, she wanted others to drink of this same water.

“The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, 29Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? 30Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.” (John 4:28-30)

2. How can we have “Hope & Healing” for our homes and nation?

“2In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Rev 22:2)

How can we find healing for our homes and nation?

* by the water of life is the tree of life whose leaves are for the healing of nations.

• The word “healing” is θεραπεία,(ther-ap-i’-ah), which means care, attention, especially medical attention (treatment). 
• The word “nations” is ἔθνος,(eth’-nos) (as distinct from Israel) a race, people, nation; the nations, heathen world, Gentiles.

Jesus extends His healing power right now from the terrible disease called sin. There is healing power from the balm of gilead, healing from strongholds, lusts, pride, jealousy, bitterness and all kinds of demonic activity.