Forgiveness and Cleansing

Today at sundown begins one of the most sacred days in God’s calendar. This is Yom Kippur (the “Day of Atonement”). God Himself established this special day after the Israelites left Egypt (Leviticus 16:29). He directed that everyone was to examine their lives. No one could work or eat. This whole day was “most holy to the Lord.”

Over the centuries, many Jews celebrated Yom Kippur with a Kol Nidre service, which focused on forgiveness and a release from any vows that have been taken inappropriately.

Central to this service was the passage from Numbers 15. A cantor chanted a prayer beginning with the words “Kol Nidre” to a melody that was haunting and spiritually moving.

This music so impacted nineteenth-century German composer Max Bruch that he wrote a special composition, the “Adagio on Hebrew Melodies for Violoncello and Orchestra” (known as “Kol Nidre”). Even though a Protestant, Bruch felt it was important to share the emotional truths and beauty of the melodies associated with Kol Nidre. That others would be impacted by the importance of turning to God for forgiveness.

Yom Kippur is a day still special on God’s calendar. He still is holy, and still wants to bless and provide for His people. But we cannot receive these blessings if our lives are polluted by sin.

Today, remember that God wants to bless you. Let Him search your heart and mind, and make a commitment to be clean in His sight. To be freed of any vows, or anything you’ve said or done that displeases Him. As you confess your sins, receive His forgiveness. And seek to minister to others and restore broken relationships. Obey His Word. Then, rejoice in the freedom and victory that are yours through Christ!