Muscle Memory

A Series on Old Testament Festivals and Sacred Days – Day of Atonement
(Click on the link below to read the verses.)
Leviticus 16; Hebrews 10:1-14 

[Many of the festivals and sacred days from the Old Testament don’t seem to be relevant for us today. In this series, we’re going to take a closer look at them to learn what the significance was for the people of Israel at the time. And to learn what the significance is for us today.]

  

I’ve always loved piano music and wished that I knew how to play. So, when I retired it seemed like a good time to take lessons. For me, the most difficult aspect of learning is playing one thing with your right hand and something totally different with your left hand. It’s very confusing.

 

To deal with that, my piano teacher occasionally talks about the importance of muscle memory. By that she means practicing something over and over until my fingers automatically know what to do. I think she just wants me to practice more. But it does seem to help.

 

When the Lord spoke to Moses at Mount Sinai, he gave him instructions on building the tabernacle as well as instituting the sacrificial system. The tabernacle was the place where God would dwell among his people as they began their journey to the Promised Land. It also provided the place for sacrifices to be made.

 

Central to the sacrificial system was a means for the Israelites to atone for their sins. This was done through daily animal sacrifices. In addition, once a year the high priest was to enter the Most Holy Place, the innermost chamber in the tabernacle, to observe the Day of Atonement.

 

On that day, the priest made atonement for himself and all the people through multiple sacrifices which included a bull, a goat and two rams. Then he sprinkled their blood over the atonement cover, or lid, of the ark of the covenant. Which is where the Lord’s presence would dwell.

 

Although bloody, it was required by the law – “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness”. All of this was done in an attempt to restore their relationship with the Lord. However, it only covered their sin, it didn’t actually take their sin away.

 

¹ The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship. ⁴ For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.                        NLT   Hebrews 10

 

Then Christ came into the world changing everything.

 

¹¹ Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. ¹² But our High Priest (Jesus) offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.          NLT   Hebrews 10

 

Muscle memory was an important aspect of Israel’s sacrificial system. The daily sacrifices, as well as the Day of Atonement, were reminders not only of their sin, but of the holiness of God.

 

Just like the sacrificial animals had to be spotless, so did Jesus, the Lamb of God. He was without sin, and because of that he was able to take our sin upon himself. To do that he bore the consequences of our sin on the cross once and for all.

 

As a result, Jesus provided the perfect Day of Atonement making it possible for us to have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father.

 

Copyright 2026 Joseph B Williams

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