“Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats—one lot for the Lord, the other lot for the scapegoat. … Then Aaron shall lay both of his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over it all the wickedness of the sons of Israel and all their transgressions in regard to all their sins; and he shall lay them on the head of the goat [the scapegoat, the sin-bearer], and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man who is prepared [for the task]. The goat shall carry on itself all their (the Israelites) wickedness, carrying them to a solitary (infertile) land; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness. “Then Aaron shall come into the Tent of Meeting….”
Leviticus 16:8, 21-23 AMP
Chapter 16 might be my favorite one in Leviticus because it speaks of the Day of Atonement – the ONE day when the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies. There’s so much symbolism found here – like hidden gems waiting to be discovered. As I was rereading and meditating on it today, the two goats held particular meaning for me.
The first goat killed, it’s blood a sacrifice for sins, and the second, the precious scapegoat, the one who symbolically carried the sin out of the camp.
It’s interesting to me that the High Priest would place his hands on the head of the scapegoat, confess the wickedness over it, then release it to be led to the solitary place.
We know as Believers that Yeshua was our scapegoat. Once and for all He removed the penalty of sin and provided the blood sacrifice required – but far too often in my life the little scapegoat wanders back into my “camp” carrying the guilt, the shame, the memories, and the reminders of my past long forgiven.
G-d spoke to my heart today that the first goat was grace and the second goat mercy. It is by grace that I have been forgiven and it is mercy that I don’t have to carry the shame any longer.
The Day of Atonement, observed once a year, must have been a day of radical encounter with G-d. One day dedicated only to seeking out sin and wickedness – both hidden and known sins, offering sacrifices, burning incense, and encountering His forgiveness – the scapegoat the reminder that sin, shame, and guilt “left the camp”, not to return.
I don’t take one day to just focus on the sin in my life – seeking Him to discover what is there that doesn’t glorify Him – but maybe I should. I am convicted that I take grace for granted at times. Am I quick to respond to His conviction to repent and seek forgiveness? Am I quick to repent and ask forgiveness when I wrong my husband or children with words or actions? Do I extend forgiveness when I’ve been broken? Do I live and love like one forgiven? Sin is serious business – do I approach it as such? Sin separates me from the Almighty G-d! I should have a fiery resolve and intolerance of sin in my life at all costs. More of Him, less of me- all because The Scapegoat found a way into my heart 24 years ago.
Father – more of You, less of me because You alone are worthy. Purify my heart G-d. Bring to mind anything I am doing or saying, reading or watching, that is sin or is opening the door to it. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Leviticus 16-18