The Day of Atonements is over (Lev 16 and 23). Most of those who observe the day in Israel emphasize the fast — abstaining from eating. The Word of YHVH emphasizes the requirement to afflict one’s soul (Lev 23:27,29) for our sin against Him (Zech 12:10-14). The eating or not eating may affect the body, but will not afflict the soul over sin. If our soul is afflicted, then we will not feel like eating! (2Sam 12:13-17)
In our family, we shared the moment — if we have had one — when the Holy Spirit broke in on us regarding our sin and sins that brought a response from us that broke the heart and made our spirit contrite. It is this breaking which forever changes one’s life from within as well as without.
For revival in the church, it is going require, I believe, such a move of the Spirit of God that the meaning of the cross becomes ever more real in our own life.
The affliction of soul is first of all toward God and the Lord Jesus Christ. But my own personal experience just these last few days brings me to believe that it is also going to be required in our offenses against our brothers and sisters. The second commandment is not much different from the first, Yeshua tells us. And we may still suffer unpleasant consequences for our sin, even though we may be forgiven by the one sinned against.
Praise God for His mercies and grace, and that our sins are forgiven. May we quickly learn to be forgiving of one another when we are offended, so that our Father in Heaven will forgive us when we are the cause of the offense.
All glory to the Lamb of God, who looked like a goat (in the likeness of sinful flesh) to His own, and who is still the Scapegoat for sinners.