Ever since Leviticus 16,
"scapegoat" has been
synonymous with victimized ... exactly the idea GOD wished to
portray. Who throughout history better epitomizes these
two goats than JESUS CHRIST?
"The next day John seeth JESUS coming unto him, and saith,
behold the LAMB of GOD, which taketh away the sin of the world."
One would shed the blood, one would bear
the sin, both would picture CHRIST.
"Surely HE hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet
we did esteem HIM stricken, smitten of GOD, and afflicted.
But HE was wounded for our transgressions, HE was bruised for
our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon HIM; and
with HIS stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have
gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the
LORD hath laid on HIM the iniquity of us all."
Two innocent animals,
one brutalized in plain view, the other exiled to die alone for
the sins of Israel. "... without shedding of blood is no
remission." The first goat satisfied GOD'S
command, the second goat satisfied man's demand.
"... for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt
surely die."
"scapegoat" [azazel]...
literally: escapegoat! That murderous Barabbas best
depicts this for us. I have often envisioned him racing
past the SCAPEGOAT being scourged in his stead.
What a day to celebrate ... that day in eternity past when lots
of chance were replaced with lots of love. The ultimate
HIGH PRIEST cast the lots upon HIMSELF that we might escape
the fire of Hell's damnation.
"And when they had crucified HIM, they parted HIS garments,
casting lots upon them, what every man should take."
Have you cast your lot
upon the SCAPEGOAT of saving grace?
"Casting
all your care upon HIM; for HE careth for you."