Covered

Scripture: II Corinthians 5:21 -  For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Before the crucifixion of Christ, the high priest would do a yearly sacrifice to atone or cover the sins of the Israelites that were committed during the year (Leviticus 16:8-28). This yearly atonement is still honored by many. It is called Yom Kippur -- a holy day that is treated like the Sabbath. In biblical times, this ritual was done yearly and was a reminder that all of Israel’s daily, weekly, and monthly ritual sacrifices and offerings were not enough to permanently atone for sin. This yearly ritual involved a blood sacrifice as well as releasing a goat into the wilderness that the chief priest symbolically laid all the sins upon. This goat “carried everyone’s sins away”. This is also where we get the term scapegoat. During that time (BC) it was the chief priest who entered into the holy of holies, through the heavy veil that hung from the ceiling to the floor) to complete this ritual of sacrificing a lamb or bull or goat without blemish for the sins of the people. Ironically, it was the chief priest who turned Jesus over to Pilate to be crucified. Jesus was the world’s unblemished, sacrificial lamb. The Bible tells us in Matthew 27:51, that the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. It was at that moment, that Jesus became our High Priest.

On TikTok, there is a skit where a person is acting like God’s receptionist. It went like this:

Receptionist: Thank you for choosing God how can I help you? Yes, that sin is covered. Yes, that sin is covered. Yes, wait (receptionist clutches her imaginary pearls) and says I haven’t heard of that one before let me check. Receptionist turns to an angel and the angel isn’t sure either. They both turn to God and He nods yes. Receptionist to the believer: Yes, I promise you that sin is covered (too); you are still loved by God. Believer: Thank you. Receptionist: No problem…

Covered! Covered! Covered! The Bible tells us that our debts, our sins have been nailed to the crossed. John 19:28 -30 says, When Jesus was on the cross, there was a time when he said, “I thirst” and a sponge filled with sour wine was placed to His mouth. After receiving this wine, Jesus said, “Tetelestai” (te-tel- la- stai) which is the Hebrew word for the English phrase, it is finished. The word tetelestai literally means, the sacrifice is complete or the debt has been paid in full. This word was placed on the backs of 1st century legal documents to indicate that a debt had not just been paid but paid completely without any debt left. In the last moments of life, Jesus took the time to tell us that the debt of sin was paid in full with His blood…tetelestai…it is finished (John 19:30). There is no longer need to sacrifice the blood of goats, bulls, or lambs because He, Christ, became the sacrificial lamb. Rejoice!! Rejoice!! Rejoice!! Because for all who believe the price of sin has been paid (John 3:16).

Prayer: Jesus paid it all! All to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain (and) He washed it white as snow. Dear Lord, thank You is not a strong enough term to cover the gratitude that is felt for the sacrifice that was made for me. Thank you, Lord, for Your obedience even unto the cross. Thank You, for Your forgiveness, Your grace, and Your mercy towards me. Because of the obedience and sacrifice of Christ my sins, past, present, and future, have been forgiven. Lord, Your continued guidance is necessary so I can live life in such a way that honors that gift that was given before I was even thought of.  With a full heart and a humble spirit, I thank you. In the matchless name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

(by Patricia Towns)