SUMMARY: Scapegoat
OVERVIEW: The high priest offered two goats as sacrifices on the Day of Atonement. The first was a sin offering, and the second was a scapegoat. The priests released this second goat into the wilderness, symbolically taking away the sins of the people.
BIG IDEA: Jesus is the lamb of God who takes away our sin.
KEY VERSE: Leviticus 16:30 (God to Moses)
On that day offerings of purification will be made for you, and you will be purified in the Lord’s presence from all your sins.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
Your sin once divided us. It was a barrier—but no more. I have forgiven your sins through Christ. They are gone. They no longer separate us. Take advantage of that and talk to me regularly. I am always available to you. Always. Share your heart, your concerns, and your sins. Confess them to me. You could never afford the price of your sin–no one could–but Jesus paid that price. Jesus is the Lamb of God who freed you from the penalty of your sin.
You are my child, and I love you. But don’t lightly regard what you’ve received. Walk humbly with me. The world will instruct you to boast of your abilities and all you can do. Instead, boast in me and all I’ve done for you. Don’t promote yourself. Humble yourself. Share the good news that through Jesus, I have forgiven your sin. That is a truth to remember, good news to share, and a reason to celebrate.
NEXT STEP
Don’t think of sin as something to get away with, but humbly reflect on the impact of your sin. Recognize that sin has consequences for you and others. Thank God for what he has done to remove your sins and their penalty.
MUSIC VIDEO