High Priest

There's commotion in my brain, strange is the notion
 Words cannot explain my range of emotion
 I'm speechless, my flaws exposed and my weakness
 Each breath draws me closer to a deep test
 It's month number seven, it's been ten days
 I've been awake all night reflecting on my ways
 A threat to my peace in this greatest of moments
 Because I'm the High Priest and it's the Day of Atonement
 The LORD is so holy and perfect, I'm nervous
 I'm floored that He chose me to worship through service
 Don't ask me why the God who crafted the sky
 Drafted this weak guy from the clan of Levi
 Preceding generation taught me to read the regulations
 Deep meditation on decreed revelation
 Extreme trepidation breeds hesitation
 Yet I must lead and be the representation
 My occupation- to intercede for the nation
 But indeed my own sins need expiation
 The wrath of Jehovah's grim, sin is no joke to Him
 The hope is slim for unholy men coming close to Him
 He's spoken in His Word the proper way of approach to Him
 Nadab and Abihu got it wrong and He roasted them
 These things I weigh as I sigh
 This could either be the greatest day of my life or the day that I die!
 So you say that you wanna know the LORD?
 Do you really wanna stand before the LORD?
 Do you know what it takes to meet the LORD?
 God is an all-consuming fire
 So you say that you wanna know the LORD
 Do you really wanna stand before the LORD?
 Do you know what it takes to meet the LORD?
 Be careful what you desire
 For now, no time to focus on my sinning
 I bathe in the laver though it seems extreme
 I put on the holy coat made of white linen
 Craving His favor- I'm ceremonially clean
 I check to inspect- no tangible faltering
 Next I must collect the animals for the offering
 A spotless ram and a bull- the components
 God gives to make atonement for my own sins
 This part of the ritual makes me real cautious
 Because the very sight of blood makes me feel nauseous
 Still I proceed by snatching him close, slashing his throat
 When his blood splashed on my coat
 Reacting, I choke- gasping that's when I'm grasping
 God's reaction that sin provokes
 I take a moment to reflect on the blood spilled in this
 Staring at the goat to be sent into the wilderness
 I'll confess Israel's sins with my hands on his head
 Symbolizing guilt transferred instead
 To a substitute the living God provided and stamped
 Guilty of our sin, driven outside the camp
 This beautiful picture of hope and grace motivates
 And I don't want my fear to make this dope occasion go to waste
 Change my outer garments, slow my pace- yo I brace
 Myself to stand before Jehovah's face in the Holy Place
 So you say that you wanna know the LORD?
 Do you really wanna stand before the LORD?
 Do you know what it takes to meet the LORD?
 God is an all-consuming fire
 So you say that you wanna know the LORD
 Do you really wanna stand before the LORD?
 Do you know what it takes to meet the LORD?
 Be careful what you desire
 The time has come, the great moment has arrived
 About to enter in- what a lonely enterprise
 Look at the other priests, they speak only with their eyes
 Rope tied around my ankle just in case I don't survive
 I enter through the first curtain to a dark room
 I'm standing in the Holy Place, my thoughts consumed
 I'm caught off guard, I'm unraveling at this stage
 My heartbeat so hard it's rattling my ribcage
 Feeling like I'm disintegrating and I can't stand
 Comforted by the light emanating from the lampstand
 This helps my vision- I can see the showbread
 I think of God's provision, that helps me go ahead
 I need courage to worship! Man, this is intense
 I take burning coals off the altar for the incense
 The sweet aroma fills the room
 The smoke protects my eyes- one sight of Jehovah seals my doom
 It's no mere coincidence I'm here surrendering
 With fear and trembling I'm nearly entering
 I feel like running scared, hoping I'm not unprepared
 Stunned with fear- no one comes in here but once a year
 Nevertheless I'm at the point of no return
 Besides, I don't want my anointing to be spurned
 After counting to three, next time I inhale
 I'm in the Holy of Holies beyond the veil!
 The first thing I realize is I'm thrilled that I've
 Entered into God's presence and yet I'm still alive
 I'm awestruck by the weight of His terrible beauty
 It's almost unbearable but I must fulfill my duty
 Approach the ark, the first part of my work's complete
 When I sprinkle blood seven times on the mercy seat
 Quickly I exit, impressed with the Hesed
 That rescues the wretched and left us accepted!