But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to be used for making atonement by sending it into the desert as a scapegoat. Leviticus 16:10 (Chapters 11-18)
The Orthodox Laws of everyday Jewish life, hygienic and dietary, are somewhat confusing, but from the time man was cast from the perfect presence of God, God gave specific directions for man to remain healthy, both physically and spiritually. The ancient people lived in very primitive circumstances. There was no formal medical protocol or means of food preservation. Food poisoning and parasites were serious risks. Also, the Canaanite culture, soon to be neighbor to this new nation, practiced many abominable behaviors. I do not care to list their perversions but their temple practices involved sensual and sexual rites. This was strictly forbidden in the worship of The One True God. Kashrut, the laws concerning kosher diets, is a weapon against assimilation with idolatress cultures. God stressed that mingling and sharing life with such people would be Israel’s down fall.
The Day of Atonement was the one day of the year Aaron entered the Holy of Holies. On this day, a scapegoat became the sacrifice for all man’s sin. Sin cuts us off from God’s presence, but forgiveness and atonement restores this relationship. The goat was led away from the people into the wilderness, bearing away the sins of the people. This ceremony is God historical pictures of the coming Christ.
I often superimpose God onto my attitude toward the children I encounter daily. I wish I could correct their behavior once and be done with it, but the reality is I must restate reminders everyday of the school year, even after I have said, “I’m NOT telling you this again!” Well, aren’t we fortunate that I’m not God and God never says, “I’m through telling/helping you.” There is always an atonement opportunity because Jesus was our scapegoat. He took our sins as His own and we can be forgiven.
Love,
Gretchen