Day 41..."Atonement, Mercy Seat, the Poor, First Class Please!"

Atonement is a major theme in today's reading in Exodus. As Dr. George Morris has said the meaning of atonement is in the word..."at-one-ment." Atonement in the Old Testament made "at-one-ment" with God possible. Notice in the reading there is a blood sacrifice for atonement with Aaron once a year. Jesus will offer full atonement at the cross and this will be recorded in Old Testament style in the New Testament Book of Hebrews. A question was asked about the "mercy seat" and this is a location between two cheribums and represents atonement and even...grace. Who said there is no grace in the Old Testament? The Psalmist lifts up again those who show compassion to the poor in saying..."Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him" Jesus taught about this and has to "cool the heels" of the disciples mother who wants first class seating for her two sons...on the "right" and "left" of Jesus. Jesus teaches she really does not know what she is asking at all in the Kingdom. His cup is difficult and the seating chart of the Kingdom of God calls to serve and not be served. Greatness for Jesus comes in serving others and this is first class after all!