​The messy atonement for our sins.

Scripture:
"Then slaughter the young bull in the Lord ’s presence, and Aaron’s sons, the priests, will present the animal’s blood by splattering it against all sides of the altar that stands at the entrance to the Tabernacle. But the internal organs and the legs must first be washed with water. Then the priest will burn the entire sacrifice on the altar as a burnt offering. It is a special gift, a pleasing aroma to the Lord."
Leviticus 1:5‭, ‬9 NLT

"Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God."
Ephesians 5:2 NLT

Application:
Atonement is brutal. The graphic and tragic killing of the innocent for the sake of the guilty puts us in the right attitude to thank God for sparing us.

Prayer:
It's hard for us to look at the brutality of atonement, Father, but it is this sacrifice of Jesus' innocence for our guilt that was the price paid to forgive us. We're truly sorry for our sin, and truly grateful for Your sacrifice. As You desire, we choose to live a life of love. Amen.