Leviticus 16: Scapegoat

"The goat will carry on it all their wrongdoings into a desolate land, and he will release it there."

Leviticus 16:22

Once a year, the high priest makes atonement for Israel.  He symbolically lays the sin of the Israelites on the head of a goat, which is sent into the wilderness.  In this way, all Israel is cleansed of their sin before the high priest enters the most holy place.  If any sin is not confessed, the high priest dies when he meets with the Lord to make atonement.

This goat who takes on the sin of the Israelites is called Scapegoat.  Later, Jesus is referred to as a scapegoat because He takes on the sin of all His people to make atonement for us.  When our sin is placed on a scapegoat, that goat (or in our case the Christ) bears the burden of punishment for our sin.  He takes our place so that we may be forgiven and find favor in the Father's eyes.

Question of the Day:

How do you repay the Son of Man, who took all of your sin on Himself in order to grant you everlasting life?

Prayer of the Day:

Thank You for providing a way for Your imperfect subjects to connect to You and find favor in Your sight.  Continue to mold us into a people worthy of Your love.  Help us to grow closer to You and make each generation more like You, so that one day our ancestors may earn Your recognition without the need of a scapegoat's intercession.  Amen.