Enjoy Life, Enjoy God

SCAPEGOAT

June 4, 2010

The term "scapegoat," the one who takes the blame, or bears the guilt, that's a fairly common term. But do we know its source?

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He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites--all their sins--and put them on the goat's head. He shall send the goat away into the wilderness in the care of someone appointed for the task. The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a remote place, and the man shall release it in the wilderness.
- Leviticus 16:21,22 TNIV
 

 "Yom Kippur," the Day of Atonement, the priest carried out this holiest of rituals. The sin of ALL, put on the head of ONE, and the goat "will carry on itself all" the sins. This goat is the "scapegoat." Yet for us in Christ, Leviticus' instructions were fulfilled by another "goat," the innocent Lamb of God.

We too have a scapegoat; his name is Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God. "Rejoice, in Christ, we are forgiven!"
Joyfully,

Dale Patterson