Yom Kippur

We are heading into Yom Kippur here in the Land. Also known in the wider Christian community as the Day of Atonement, this is the holiest day of the year. In most of Christianity, this day has gone by the wayside and is no longer considered relevant. If that’s still you, I’d urge you to study it again outside of any theological bias that you’ve acquired during your years of study. It’s a highly important day for more than one reason.

As Earlene and I first started on the path that we’re currently on, we experienced Yom Kippur with our Colorado congregation for the first time. Well…it was the second time in a way, but the first doesn’t count (I can go into that another time).

The opportunity to partake in *corporate* repentance as the Body of Messiah is something that is sadly missing from the Body. We didn’t realize that until we experienced it! It’s interesting though. This year is the first time I’ve seen corporate repentance on a continual large scale and organized by many different organizations such as The Return that just happens to be organized the past Saturday in Washington D.C. Corporate repentance pulls together more than any individual can possibly account for and allows the Body to turn back to the path we’ve wandered from. The whole is more than the sum of its parts. Every time we have participated in a Yom Kippur service, I’m pretty sure I’ve shed tears. It’s simply beautiful and words just can’t describe it.

There are more reasons though that apply to you personally if you are one that is a Believer in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). You are longing for our King to return to collect His Bride. Yom Kippur is intimately part of the Bridal season.

If the Feast of Trumpets is the day that the Bridegroom blows His trumpet to announce Himself coming to collect His Bride (see the previous post on that) then Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is the wedding day. We have had 10 days of awe as we prepare ourselves to enter into this union with our King and Bridegroom. Now it’s time to actually enter into that union. In ancient Jewish understanding the Bride and Groom fasted on the day of their wedding. They fasted to empty themselves, repent of all their wayward life choices and renew themselves before they entered into the ultimate union of humanity.

Before they became one – they were to die to themselves. (Sound familiar Bible scholars?)

While much of the understanding of Yom Kippur has been lost to the theology of the modern church, the information is all still readily available. If you’re willing, maybe fast on this day and study through what this day means to you. It could have a variety of purposes and meanings for you if you choose to take the dive deep into Scripture.

I have an example to help you see how things change as you study. A few years back we determined that my brothers birth portion is the readings for Yom Kippur. At the time I found that to be a very heavy burden to bear. Why on earth would God allow my brother to have such a heavy portion? He was really wrestling with God in that season and I wasn’t sure how to help him grasp this heavy burden at the time. Now, after more study and more time spent in the Word, I realize just how intimate that portion is. He’s not under a burdensome portion. It’s the most intimate of portions. My brother’s portion is in fact the Wedding Portion! What greater intimacy is there? It’s all in how you approach it.

As Earlene and I enter into Yom Kippur we ask that if we have offended any of you or if we have failed to serve you in your time of need, please forgive us and allow us another opportunity to build you up within the Kingdom and in your daily walk. May your fast and your time with your Bridegroom King be fruitful and nourishing.