The LORD commanded everyone to assemble together in the spring and in the fall of the year to celebrate His feast.

The Day of Atonement was the most holy day of the entire year. Chapter 16 goes in great detail what type of sacrifices were to be offered. Two male goats, one for the sacrifice, and the other as a scapegoat. The scapegoat served as a physcial reminder that their sins were forgiven.

However our Lord did not want sacrifices, but rather a broken spirit and a contrite heart. (Ps 51:16-17)

Even in our text Moses makes this statement twice: “You shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the LORD.”

But what does this mean and how does this apply to us?

1. We find the answer to the meaning in the title of the feast, Atonement. Atonement is forgivenness.
2. We find the means in the phrase “no work shall be done”. During this time each one were commanded to cease from normal work to focus on studying the Law of God so that they might learn how to walk in His ways.
3. We find the consequences if they chose not to. They were cut off.

So what hinders you from committing your life to Jesus this morning? What are you afraid of? Set aside your fear and come this morning.