Some fans believe the greatest day in sports happens during a sports equinox. It is the time of the year when baseball is reaching its peak, hockey is settling in, football is buzzing along, and don’t look now, but basketball has returned. All four major sports collide on the same day. An example took place on October 19, 2017. With nine NHL games, three NBA games, an NFL game, and an MLB playoff game—made possible by the Chicago Cubs’ victory in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series. Historically, it doesn’t happen often. Only 17 sports equinoxes have occurred in history.

Leviticus 16-17 – Once Forever

God instituted a “great day” in Israeli history when He established a yearly “Day of Atonement” to “cover” the sins of Aaron, his family, Israel, and the meeting place (tabernacle) of God with man. The Jews call it “Yom Kippur.” “The Day” covered all Israel’s sins, even those committed in ignorance (Hebrews 9:7). All of us have many sins committed in ignorance. “The Day” was observed every year on the tenth day of the seventh month of the Jewish calendar. On that day, animal sacrifices covered our sins until Christ came and removed them with the ultimate sacrifice (Romans 3:21-26).

The greatest day in history was when Jesus died for our sins on Calvary’s cross. But Christ’s sacrifice differed from Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur had to be repeated every year. Christ died once for all time (Hebrews 9:11-12, 24-26; 10:12). The high priest sacrificed for his own sin, but Christ needed no sacrifice for His sin, for He was sinless (Hebrews 7:26-27). Now, all believers are priests, and we are encouraged to come boldly into God’s presence for grace and mercy (Hebrews 10-:19-20).

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete give their full attention to listen to His Spirit as He convicts them of sin, makes His righteousness available, and brings about the judgment to come (John 16:8-11).