If you were in Cedar Park Church in Bothell on Sunday October 9^th, Pastor Joe spoke about the Day of Atonement and the impact that day had on the lives of the Jewish people. One thing I heard for the first time in my 30+ years working to live a life for Christ, was the inadequate job Adam and Eve did when trying to confront and cover up their sin. They tried to cover their shame by hiding from the God of the universe behind a tree.

My four year-old is an amazing child who loves life and loves to be silly. However, he has gotten in to the terrible habit of simply rinsing his hands when he really should use soap to get them clean. He runs out of the bathroom with hands that are wet and from first glance appear to have been washed. As my wife or I look closer and ask him, “Did you use soap?” his demeanor changes and he either makes an excuse or even worse decides to lie. I picture Adam and Eve hiding the fact that they weren’t clean and when confronted makes an excuse and chooses to blame others rather than take ownership. Seems the imputation of Adam is truer than ever and begins at a very young age.

God is a God of order. In discovering Adam and Eve in their shame, he disciplines and then provides them with skins…clothes to cover over their shame. The first sacrifice. The first blood shed for ones sins. God knew what he was doing. A few thousand years later we see Jesus on the cross giving of his life…the ultimate sacrifice. The most adequate and perfect cover for our sin and shame. The Bible says, “That if you confess your sins with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord.” And believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Christ died once for all!

Live today and tomorrow and forever not ashamed of your sin, for those who believe in Christ have been set free. We are no longer in need of an inadequate sacrifice to cover our shame and guilt, but rather we have received the gift of Jesus…the ultimate sacrifice. We remember the Day of Atonement so that we may know that our life has been purchased and we will live forever with the purchaser when this world fades from our eyes. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.

In Him,

Pat Russell - Principal