Proscribed by God in Leviticus 16, it's still the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. It's a sobering day of fasting and repentance.
When the Temple still stood, this was the day on which the High Priest purchased atonement for the people. He confessed the entire nation's sins upon the head of a scapegoat, and then brought the blood of a perfect lamb behind the veil. Into the very Presence of God.
This was the High Priest's one specific, God-ordained job. While the people prayed and fasted all day, the High Priest interceded for the nation as a whole.
So, maybe it's because my last name is Priest, or because I'm descend from the Levites, or because I'm now part of the New Testament priesthood of believers. Whatever the reason, I feel compelled today to look to Aaron's example and pray for our country. Will you join me?
You see, as individuals, we are never more or less of a sinner than we ever were. Our need for the Messiah doesn't change, no matter how "good" or "bad" we may behave on any given day.
But collectively, as a nation, you could say that we have some serious problems. And that they seem to be escalating.
So throughout this Day of Atonement, I'm going to pray that Adonai will have mercy on our collective souls. Especially as we look toward November 8. Because for all the posturing and hand-wringing, neither candidate can rescue us from ourselves.
If you're a follower of God, I challenge you to join me. To drop the politics, proclaim God's majesty, and lift our nation up to Him.
