“Aaron is to offer the bull for his own sin offering to make atonement for himself and his household.” (Lev. 16:6)
Expanded Passage: Leviticus 16:6-10
Growing up in the South can be a challenge! You learn the southern dialect—according to many, it is the purest form of English that is still spoken—but in school, the teachers insist on teaching “proper” English. The “y’alls,” “aint’s,” and “dadgums” must go. Culturally, the southern accent is in danger of completely disappearing. In 2014, an employer in Tennessee offered a course to reduce employees' southern accents so that they would be remembered for what they said instead of how they spoke. The class was ultimately canceled; bless their hearts!
Atonement is not a word that we come across routinely in our daily lives. It is an old, churchy word that we may be in danger of losing. To atone means that we make amends. In the context of this verse, Aaron is making amends with God for his sin. According to Wesley, sin is a willful disobedience of a known law of God. Aaron and his family, the High Priests of Israel, were required to atone for their sins before they could bring atonement for the people.
This stark reminder that humans are all broken, even the ones trying to help us reconnect with God, reminds us where our faith should rest. While there have been, and still are, exemplary church leaders and people in the faith, we still all need atonement.
Ask God to search you and forgive any sin in your life
Caleb Strickland is the lead pastor of Christ Wesleyan Church (CWC) in Winston Salem, NC.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
