Strong Tower
A daily scripture exposition.
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Leviticus 16:21 NLT
“He will lay both of his hands on the goat’s head and confess over it all the wickedness, rebellion, and sins of the people of Israel. In this way, he will transfer the people’s sins to the head of the goat. Then a man specially chosen for the task will drive the goat into the wilderness.”
Transfer the people’s sins
In the Old Testament, the sins of the people of Israel were periodically transferred onto a goat, which was then led into the wilderness of Azazel. It was believed that as long as the goat remained out of sight, the people would be forgiven (Jeremiah 50:20).
According to biblical historians, the Jews went further. They always tie one piece of scarlet cloth to the goat’s horns and another to the temple’s gate or to the top of the rock where the goat was lost. If the latter piece of cloth turned white, it signified that Israel’s sins had been forgiven (Isaiah 1:18). However, there came a time when the fabric did not turn white.
Historical records indicate that forty years before the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, the scarlet cloth never changed colour, suggesting that their request for atonement was refused. This occurrence is a potent reminder of the inadequacy of the old covenant. At the same time, it points us to the certainty and everlasting nature of our atonement through Jesus. Notably, Aaron could only transfer sins but had no authority to forgive them; however, Jesus holds the authority to forgive sins on earth (Matthew 9:6). It is imperative not to delay the day of salvation.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the everlasting nature of my atonement through Jesus. I pray that I will never take it for granted. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Enquiries
The Chapel of Glory Ministries -aka-
Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Calgary
Acadia Recreation Complex
240-90 Ave SE Calgary
AB, T2J 6P6, Canada
info@thechapelofglory.org
Mission statement
Reaching out through love, teaching the truth, and humbly leading all nations to God through Jesus Christ.
Vision statement
A ministry where people from all walks of life can fellowship with one another and worship God through Jesus Christ without any denominational hangover.
©️2024 The Chapel of Glory Ministries
