It’s Friday…The Divine Scapegoat

During this sacred season we are reminded in Scripture of the great sacrifice God provided to save the world. In the Old Testament, God gave the Israelites a ritual in Leviticus 16 that would symbolize His salvation. The priest would select scapegoat, impart all the sins of the nation onto the goat, and drive the goat out into the desert, removing the sins from the people. Judgment would fall on the goat instead of the nation.

Remember when Jonah the prophet was thrown into the water as he attempted avoid the mission God sent him on and judgment was averted? The storm of wrath immediately subsided, as one man bore the punishment that others might be saved. Though Jonah’s punishment was deserved, the wrath poured out on him for the sake of many points us to another servant of God who bore the wrath for the sake of all. This Suffering Servant was entirely innocent, but He went into the tumultuous depths so the rest of us on “the ship” wouldn’t have to. When Jesus died on the cross, the storm of wrath subsided.

“At this the men greatly feared The LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to The LORD and made vows to Him.”  (Jonah 1:16)

People greatly feared The Lord when they saw The Divine Scapegoat bear God’s wrath. Many, of course, hardly noticed a thing, and they can’t get out of the storm unless they believe in Him. But like Jonah, our Scapegoat, saw the light again after three days, and like Jonah did, He leads sinners to repentance. Those who see the wrath for what it is can flee to Him in faith, and the storm of wrath will subside.

When the sacrifice of Jonah was visibly accepted by God, the shipmates were in awe. The salvation they had witnessed made them fear God – always the response when theoretical belief turns into practical evidence. When God shows up in power and grace, sinners bow in gratitude for the grace that saved them from the power.

Let’s allow our lives as followers of The Divine Scapegoat to reflect the awe and gratitude that comes from seeing Jesus calm the storm of wrath. Let’s be the clearest evidence that faith in Him is the only remedy that brings peace to the troubled and tumultuous world. Yes, our world needs to see that kind of peace fleshed out in us right now. So, let’s live with an awe-inspiring gratitude for what Jesus has accomplished to save us. Agree?

Have an awe-inspiring weekend. Make it better by worshiping The LORD with those who are celebrating His sacrifice and are eternally grateful for escaping death because of Him.

All For Jesus – Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else.

“He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, The King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see, to Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:15b-16)