Today, after the ceremony in the Temple, I couldn’t stop thinking about the zeal we should keep in this holy place and the fear everyone should have when they come here.

Out of all the people in the time of Moses, the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) was the only one who could enter the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies). And he could only do this once a year, on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).

I can only imagine how that mortal man prepared himself for this day. This was his only day. The day he had an encounter with the Almighty. The day he would finally contemplate the Ark of the Covenant. His wedding day with the Lord.

He would have the best priestly robe made specifically for this day. The white of his robe would certainly shine, symbolizing the sincerity of his heart.

The animal used in the sacrifice would be the best offering he could give on the Altar of burnt offerings. The bread for the table would be made with the best flour. The spices for the incense presented on the Altar of gold would be of the finest quality. The oil used in the lanterns would be the purest of them all. In other words, on that day, everything was done in a noble manner for a noble God!

A bride does the same thing on her wedding day. The preparations are extensive and everything has to be impeccable. This is the day she has long awaited to finally seal the Covenant with the love of her life on the Altar.

If we do the same before the Most High, wouldn’t He also give us the greatest of all treasures? The pleasure and exclusive privilege to stand before the Ark of the Covenant and receive Him in us?