Shira was preparing for her trip to the Holy Land. She had been raised in a strict Jewish home and was excited to visit the places she had only read about in the Torah. The group she would be traveling with was led by Rabbi Yitzchak, a learned man who had devoted his life to studying the scriptures.
As they toured the Temple Mount, Rabbi Yitzchak stopped at the entrance to the Holy of Holies. He explained that only the high priest was allowed to enter this most sacred space, and even then, only once a year on the Day of Atonement. Shira’s heart swelled with reverence and awe.
The group then visited the site of the altar where sacrifices were offered. Rabbi Yitzchak taught them about how the sacrifices were symbolic of the ultimate sacrifice that would one day be made for the sins of all humanity.
As they walked back to their hotel, Shira asked the Rabbi how she could be sure that her sins were forgiven. He opened his Torah and read from Hebrews 9:22, "Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins."
Shira felt a chill run down her spine. The Rabbi explained that in ancient times, animals were sacrificed as a temporary solution to sin, but that the ultimate sacrifice, the shedding of the blood of the Messiah, had already been made.
Shira had never heard of such a thing. The Rabbi explained that according to Hebrews 9:28, "Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."
Shira was overwhelmed with the realization that the ultimate sacrifice had already been made on her behalf. She thanked the Rabbi and went to her room to pray and reflect.
The next day, as the group visited the Garden Tomb, Shira felt a sense of deep peace. She knew that her sins were forgiven and that she had been reconciled to God through the sacrifice of his Son.
As they left the Holy Land, Shira felt a sense of purpose and a desire to share the good news of the ultimate sacrifice with others. She knew that there were many who, like her, had never heard the full story of God’s love for humanity.
Hebrews 9:28 had become her favorite verse: "so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him."