Goats couldn't get the job done
Aug 07, 2023 9:01 am
Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, shed his blood to atone for our sins. He took our place, and once-and-for-all sanctified and purified us. We now have access to God.
In Leviticus 16:15-16, we find a profound depiction of God's plan for reconciliation and forgiveness that involved two goats. The high priest was instructed to offer a sin offering and a scapegoat to make atonement for the sins of the people. This ritual foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice that God had planned to provide for humanity's redemption.
In Hebrews 9:12, 14, 26, and 10:10, we see the fulfillment of this ancient sacrificial system in the person of Jesus Christ on the cross. God's love for us was so great that He sent His only Son to be the ultimate sacrificial offering. Jesus willingly laid down His life on the cross to atone for our sins and provide the way for us to be reconciled with God.
The blood of the sacrificial animals in Leviticus symbolized the cleansing power that atoned for the people's sins. Likewise, through Jesus' shed blood on the cross, we find forgiveness, redemption, and a restored relationship with our Heavenly Father. His death became the bridge that reconciles us with God, wiping away our sins and the consciousness of sin, and offering us eternal life.
As we reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice, let us remember the depth of God's love and mercy towards us. Jesus bore the weight of our sins, granting us a second chance and a hope for the future. May we be grateful for His sacrificial love, and may it inspire us to live lives of gratitude, obedience, and selflessness.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for the ultimate sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Through His death on the cross, we find forgiveness and reconciliation with You. Help us to grasp the depth of Your love demonstrated through this selfless act. May we live in constant remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice, and may it shape our hearts and actions to reflect His love to others. In His precious name, we pray. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does understanding the sacrificial system in the Old Testament enhance your appreciation for Jesus' sacrifice on the cross?
2. What are some ways you can show gratitude for the sacrificial love Jesus displayed for you?
3. How does the reality of Jesus' sacrifice impact the way you approach challenges and difficulties in life?
Hymn: There is a Fountain
Watch Sunday's Message:
Two Goats, a Cross, and a Tomb
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