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Why was there so much rejoicing when so many animals were dying?


The whole assembly then agreed to celebrate the festival seven more days; so for another seven days they celebrated joyfully. Hezekiah king of Judah provided a thousand bulls and seven thousand sheep and goats for the assembly, and the officials provided them with a thousand bulls and ten thousand sheep and goats. A great number of priests consecrated themselves. The entire assembly of Judah rejoiced, along with the priests and Levites and all who had assembled from Israel, including the foreigners who had come from Israel and also those who resided in Judah. There was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 30:23-26
            It’s a strange scene to imagine singing and praising while innocent animals are being sacrificed, dying and bleating and blood spilling everywhere.  But in the Old Testament, this scene meant forgiveness.  Every animal that died meant more sins were being forgiven as a sacrifice.  Every animal that died unlocked more praise as another offering of thanksgiving was placed before God.
            It was a painful, bloody scene, but it showed faith in the process of forgiveness and reconciliation in God.  They looked passed the mess and knew they were being blessed.
            Cut to Jesus on the cross—another painful, blood scene with an innocent sacrifice dying for others.  Today we look passed that mess to Jesus stepping out of the grave for the salvation of all.  We’re glad today for the sacrifice Jesus made for us.  It also ended this bloody sacrificial practice as part of our worship so we can only concentrate on the beauty of God’s forgiveness.