Proverbs 28:13 ‘He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.’

DAILY READING • Luke 11:1-28; Genesis 19; Psalm 12

Between yesterday and today, all normal life across Israel has come to a halt. This is because they are observing the Yom Kippur, which is the holiest holiday in Israel.
The Yom Kippur began yesterday September 15th and will end today September 16th, by nightfall.
For this period, all Jews and Israel as a whole will embark in fasting and praying and seeking repentance from God.
All businesses have been closed, there are no radio or television broadcasts. All transportation have been stopped, even Ben Gurion Airport, which is Israel’s major airport is not functioning. The roads have become virtually empty as Jews traditionally observe most of the day in synagogue services. The peace and tranquility on Israeli streets for this period is truly amazing, with no human activities, no cars moving and virtually no noise.
Yom Kippur is based on Leviticus 16:29 which mandates establishment of a holy day as the day of atonement for sins. It is called the Sabbath of Sabbaths and its central themes are atonement and repentance. The prayer services include private and public confessions of sins. It is the time of the year, when Jews focus inward to seek for atonement and renewal as they wait before God.

The English word “atonement” comes from a Hebrew word which means “to cover”. The concept of this originates from the book of Genesis when Adam and Eve sinned and attempted to cover themselves with fig leaves which was indicative of trying to cover their sin. Rather, God covered them with animal skins which required the shedding of blood to make atonement for their sin.

Proverbs 28:13 says ‘He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.’

Attempting to hide and cover our sins is unacceptable before God. Rather, we are to come before Him in true repentance and seek the covering provided through the atoning Blood and sacrificial death of Jesus.
Unlike the Day of Atonement, which the Jews observe year after year, Jesus’ death on the cross has made atonement for our sins once for all.
Anytime we go contrary to God’s will we can always repent and through the Blood, ask for forgiveness and restoration.
The word “repent” means to acknowledge our sins, renounce it, seek God’s forgiveness, and try to live differently. It means doing an about-face turn and heading in the right direction.
If we miss God’s direction on the road of life, He allows U-turns. God’s mercies are always greater than our mistakes.
Indeed there is always healing, revival and restoration available at the throne of grace.[Hebrews 4:16]

Hiding and covering sin, leads to living under the weight of guilt and condemnation. Being in such a state can be disastrous and deadly, because the serpent will strike if the hedge is broken. Any struggle with sin should be brought before the Lord. He is merciful and just and His arms are always open to receive the lost.

The Bible says very clearly, “Whosoever confesses and forsakes his sin shall have mercy with the Lord”.
The Jewish day of atonement is a reminder to us to often take the time to sit before the Lord to seek for cleansing, fresh fire and revival.
No matter the cost, no matter how busy we are, we should sometimes stop all activities and just come before God and get our lives right with Him.
Just as the Jews are observing the Yom Kippur, today, let us take the time to look inward, and search our hearts. It is indeed time to seek personal revival. It is time to seek greater grace to live holy and pure and to keep our fire burning as we run the race set before us.

PRAYER: Lord, I ask for fresh fire and renewed zeal to pursue Your will and live a life that constantly pleases You. As I do, I thank You for the manifestation of Your wonders and abundant Blessings upon my life in Jesus Name.
QUOTE:
When you obey God’s instruction you are delivered from destruction. WORDBITE 222.