PODCAST

Day of Peace

September 24th, 2025

Leviticus 16:23-34.  

Sundays were days of rest for my family when I was growing up. We worshiped in the morning, after which my parents usually had the patented “Nazarene nap” in the afternoons. We all collectively took a deep breath and relaxed. It was a time between the work that had been done during the week and preparation for the work ahead. We needed that Sabbath to help us reset and just be ourselves.

The Day of Atonement, the day of the forgiveness of sins, is Sabbath day! Sabbath is a day of peace, of simply being in God’s presence. It is a day when we reflect our Creator, who rested from creation after the work was done.

Forgiveness leads to Sabbath rest. When we are forgiven, we stand between the way of life we are leaving behind and the work of righteousness ahead.

The freedom of forgiveness gives us a moment to reset, to take a deep breath of God’s Spirit, and start the new life that is afforded us in Christ. When we deny ourselves and take in Christ, we anticipate an eternal rest in God’s kingdom as we journey through life now.

This starts with the peace we have through Christ’s saving grace.

Author: Austin Troyer