-Twenty Three- Scapegoat

Scapegoat

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 16:7-10,15,20-22

Focal Verse: Leviticus 16:22a

The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to an uninhabited land..

　

There is always a penalty for sin. Someone has to pay it. It’s true today as it has always been true. The guilt of sin separates us from those persons we have sinned against, and it separates us from God. God’s desire is that we draw near to Him, and He is the One who makes it possible.

God provided a beautiful picture of what was yet to come through the scapegoat. Two goats were needed for the offering of atonement for sin. One was killed and the blood was sprinkled on the other. That one was sent away into the desert to remove the sins of the people. The people could again draw near to God.

How gracious God was to provide a means for the guilt of sin to be removed! Even before He sent His Son to be the blood sacrifice and remover of our sins, He was providing a means for His people to come to Him without guilt. We sin against Him; He provides a way to remove to the guilt. Amazing, forgiving grace.

Jesus died for ALL of your sins. When you hold yourself away from God because of your guilt over sin, you are saying what He did is not enough. Ask forgiveness, accept His remedy and draw near to Him.