Also, he is the kapparah for our sins — and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world. - 1 John 2:2
We've been reading 1 John for a few days now. 1st John was written "so that the joy of his audience would "be full" (1:4) and that they would "not practice sin" (2:1) and that "you who believe in the name of the Son of God... may know that you have eternal life" (5:13). "
As I read today, the Hebrew word for KJV "Propitiation" was illuminated to me. This is what we've found:
Excerpt from the 1906 Jewish Encyclopedia:
KAPPARAH "means of atonement"
An animal used as a sort of vicarious sacrifice on the day previous to the Day of Atonement. As a rule, a cock is taken by a male, and a hen by a female person, and after the recitation of *Ps. cvii. 17-20 and Job xxxiii. 23-24 the fowl is swung around the head three times while the right hand is put upon the animal's head. At the same time the following is thrice said in Hebrew: "This be my substitute, my vicarious offering, my atonement. This cock [or hen] shall meet death, but I shall find a long and pleasant life of peace!" After this the animal is slaughtered and given to the poor, or, what is deemed better, is eaten by the owners while the value of it is given to the poor.
Immediately the words of Christ come to life for me as he speaks to Peter, "...I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me." (Lk 22:34)
Read it in the Complete Jewish Bible - Luke 22:31-34
Peter was a fisherman, rough, boisterous, strong, unkempt, when Jesus called him saying, "Follow Me". I imagine when Jesus said he'd deny Him, he found that offensive and his pride saw that as beyond weak for his character. He must have thought that doing such a thing was far-far from his abilities as a man. As these words came up in my spirit I began to wonder if Peter recalled the reference of the atoning sacrifice in what Jesus was saying to him?
And if not then what about in his denial? We know his revelation as the cock crew was a crushing blow to his ego but still; could he then see that Jesus was allowing His own Crucifixion, His own sacrifice, His own death as Propitiation, Kapparah, for his mistakes and the sins of the world, to progress because of His unfailing love?
I don't think so. I don't think Peter, whom Jesus called as the first disciple, could see any of that. His pride blinded him from acceptance of God's purpose in Christ and his grief from the revelation of the truth of his weakness was, I'm certain, consuming his every thought. But I do believe to see a picture of the beginnings of the conversion Jesus prophesied over Peter.
Isn't that an example of the way of God's miraculous redemption? Think on your own experience... Full of pride, religion, self-centered thoughts, maybe? A time when it all came crashing in and it's truth pierced your heart knowing that you'd been blind the whole time and realizing that your best effort was futile in progress and bountiful in failure, perhaps? That's how it was for me. Looks like Peter knew of this revelation, Paul too on the Damascus Road, the publican at the temple during prayer, all finding their inability and God's willing ability for them.
Have you experienced God's grace in this way? Have you had a time when you said, "I'm done, I have nothing to offer of worth, I need you Lord, don't leave me like this!"? It is the pinnacle, not the pit you may perceive it as, of the Salvation experience. If you've not been there, I fully recommend that you seek that place and with haste and fervency. Here in this place is where you find that you CAN know that change is real, that it's His to give, and He's more than willing to give it to you.
In the sacrifice, the confession from the mouth of the one to receive was this:
"This be my substitute, my vicarious offering, my atonement. This cock [or hen] shall meet death, but I shall find a long and pleasant life of peace!"
Jesus was the substitute (Propitiation), the Atonement is available, there is no need for more!
Now, hear the proclamation of those whom Christ Jesus has saved:
"This be my substitute, my vicarious offering, my atonement. This JESUS has met and conquered death, and I have found a long and pleasant life of peace!"
Proclaim today what the Lord has done!
*Ps. cvii. 17-20 and Job xxxiii. 23-24
Cvii is 107 and xxxiii is 33
Here are the references that are confessed the day before the Day of Atonement:
"There were foolish people who suffered affliction because of their crimes and sins; they couldn’t stand to eat anything; they were near the gates of death. In their trouble they cried to Adonai, and he rescued them from their distress; he sent his word and healed them, he delivered them from destruction." - Psalm 107:17-20
“If there is for him an angel, a mediator, one among a thousand, who can vouch for the man’s uprightness; then [God] is gracious to him and says, ‘Redeem him from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom.’" - Job 33:23-24
