Day 36
Observation
Once each year, on the day of atonement, the nation gathered to watch as the high priest entered the Holy Place. Fresh blood was spilled on the altar to cover the sins of the nation for another year—to postpone yet again the final day of reckoning for those sins. Because of the centrality of blood in the nation’s worship, its use was prohibited for any other purpose than that of sacrifice to God, for “it is the blood that makes atonement, because it is the life”
(17:11).
Application
Have you ever been the scapegoat for someone else’s irresponsible action? There are certain categories of individuals who often seem to end up the scapegoat (the one bearing the blame for others): younger brothers and sisters, the previous generation, the family dog—in short, those least able to defend themselves.
But have you ever wondered where the idea of a scapegoat came from in the first place? It may surprise you to learn it is as old as Leviticus 16. Every year on the day of atonement, Aaron would select a young goat, and “laying both hands upon its head, confess over it all the sins of the people of Israel and then send it into the desert (16:21), presumably to die. Just as the goat killed for the sin offering covered the penalty of the nation’s sin for another year (16:15-19), so the scapegoat carried away (but never cured) the guilt of the nation. Only Jesus Christ, coming both as the Perfect Sacrifice and the Perfect Scapegoat, could deal with both.
Now turn to Isaiah 53:3-10 and read about the One who was wounded and bruised for our sins.
But have you ever wondered where the idea of a scapegoat came from in the first place? It may surprise you to learn it is as old as Leviticus 16. Every year on the day of atonement, Aaron would select a young goat, and “laying both hands upon its head, confess over it all the sins of the people of Israel and then send it into the desert (16:21), presumably to die. Just as the goat killed for the sin offering covered the penalty of the nation’s sin for another year (16:15-19), so the scapegoat carried away (but never cured) the guilt of the nation. Only Jesus Christ, coming both as the Perfect Sacrifice and the Perfect Scapegoat, could deal with both.
Now turn to Isaiah 53:3-10 and read about the One who was wounded and bruised for our sins.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for sending your Son to be our scapegoat. We can't thank you enough! In His Holy Name, amen!
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| The Perfect Atonement! |
