Leviticus 16

Devotional:
He will lay both of his hands on the goat’s head and confess over it all the wickedness, rebellion, and sins of the people of Israel. In this way, he will transfer the people’s sins to the head of the goat. Then a man specially chosen for the task will drive the goat into the wilderness. As the goat goes into the wilderness, it will carry all the people’s sins upon itself into a desolate land. (Leviticus 16:21-22)

On the Day of Atonement, Aaron had to sacrifice a bull, a ram and two goats. One of the goats would be for Azazel or a scapegoat for the sins of Israel; this goat was not killed. Rather, all the iniquities (sins) of Israel were laid upon the goat, and it was then sent out to roam the wilderness. The goat carried away the sins of Israel. It had no protection and suffered the consequences of sin – death. The Day of Atonement was fulfilled through Jesus’ death and resurrection. All sins – past, present and future – are no more. Jesus is our scapegoat. Not only did he bear the burdens of Israel but the world. Our hope and salvation is in Jesus who carried away our sins. This is worth celebrating!  

Pray it:
Father, thank you for sending Jesus to be the one to experience the punishment for my sins and carry them away. Remind me this day of how you have freed me from the power of sin and empower me to live a new life of righteousness. Amen.

Share it:
Who is someone you can share a verse or thought from this passage with?