I'm better this morning, and have some time, so here goes.
Read
Leviticus 16:20-22
This is a brief description of the "scapegoat," a sacrificial goat that was not killed, but instead let loose to wander around in the wilderness.
Think
I'm instructed to do several things at this point.
1. Picture myself laying hands on this animal.
2. Confess to God my acts of rebellion, bad attitudes and harsh thoughts about others.
3. Experience the feeling of transferring my sins to this animal.
4. See myself sending it off as it takes my sin far away from me.
That was basically the way the "scapegoat" was handled.
Pray
What do you wish to say to God about having sent off your sins without you?
My first thought is a hearty "Thank You!" It causes me to praise him for all that he is and for giving us a way to have our sins removed from us. Of course, this scapegoat idea is only a temporary fix for the Israelites. We are blessed to have the permanent "fix" in the person of Jesus Christ, who has removed our sins from us forever.
Live
I'm to quiet my mind and wait for God to show me situations in which I need to remember what I just did. I'm to practice resting assured of God's love in those situations as I am resting assured now.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine.
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His spirit, washed in His blood!This is my story, this is my song:
Praising my Savior, all the day long!
This is my story, this is my song:
Praising my Savior, all the day long!
"Blessed Assurance," by Fanny Crosby in 1873.