Scott Kedersha -- husband to Kristen, daddy to four boys, pastor at Merge (Watermark's premarital ministry), and most importantly -- a grateful, redeemed follower of Jesus Christ for over 15 years.

A few things I love (in no particular order) -- Survivor, steak, coffee, reading (a lot), leading a Foundation Group, writing, marriage, developing others, the people of Watermark Community Church, Philippians, Tim Duncan (weird man crush), watching my boys play soccer, nights at Merge, my amazing wife (a whole lot), movie nights and reading with my family, college football, re:generation (Watermark's recovery ministry), and our community group.

BE GONE, SCAPEGOAT!

KEY VERSE

Then Aaron shall offer the goat on which the lot for the LORD fell, and make it a sin offering. But the goat on which the lot for the scapegoat fell shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make atonement upon it, to send it into the wilderness as the scapegoat. (Leviticus 16:9-10)

CENTRAL TRUTH

The process described in Leviticus 16-17 for the forgiveness of sins is exhausting. I easily take for granted the work Christ accomplished through the cross on our behalf for the final say on the forgiveness of sins.

REFLECTIONS

The word "then" is mentioned 12 times in Leviticus 16:1-28. For instance, the text says things like, "Then he shall bathe . . . ." and, "Then he shall offer . . . ." This passage reads like a play-by-play of a football game -- one step or sequence after another. A specific person, on a specific day, wearing specific clothes was required to enter a specific location to perform specific tasks with specific animals. The process even required two different goats -- one goat was sacrificed for the covering of sins (atonement), and the scapegoat was released to symbolize the removal of guilt. If I'm honest, reading this passage is exhausting to me, especially as I think through all of the steps needed for the forgiveness and removal of sins.

Yet, Leviticus 16, which describes what is known as the Day of Atonement, is one of the most significant passages in the Old Testament. Chapters 16 and 17 of Leviticus point us to the nature of sin, humanity's need for atonement, the inadequacy of the sacrifice and scapegoat, and ultimately the superiority of Christ's sacrifice. These chapters allow us to understand the significance of what Jesus, the high priest, accomplished on our behalf by dying on the cross for our sins (Hebrews 9:11-12).

In spite of my exhaustion, I am reminded of how rich we are in Christ. The removal and forgiveness of our sins is no longer tied to a place, animal, procedure, or clothing. Rather, Jesus' bloody sacrifice for us on the cross takes the place of what we see in Leviticus 16-17. I don't know about you, but it is very easy for me to forget and take for granted Christ's ultimate sacrifice. I forget how much better Christ's way is, and I take for granted my forgiveness of sins through Christ. Reading Leviticus 16-17 reminds me of the joy of my salvation, through Christ alone (Hebrews 10:10).

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Why was the Day of Atonement necessary for the Israelites?

2. Why were the sacrifice and scapegoat ultimately not sufficient for the forgiveness of sins?

3. Read Hebrews 10. What similarities and differences do you see between Leviticus 16 and Hebrews 10?

4. Take a minute to thank God for the ultimate and final atonement in Jesus Christ!