God Sees Us Through

September 23rd, 2025

Leviticus 16:11-22.

A recent storm knocked down many of our large tree limbs at the church. Thankfully, I knew people who are willing to bring a trailer and haul off the debris. When it was removed, it was such a relief! We all have messes that we would love to have someone come and carry off, away from our lives forever.

One tradition on the Day of Atonement was to symbolically send the sins of the people into the wilderness on a “scapegoat.” The weight of their sins for that year was carried off, never be seen again. What a relief! Yet, year after year, this needed to be done. No matter how clean the scapegoat left them, the spiritual mess would build up again.

Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross differs a bit from the scapegoat. Jesus was not chosen by lot. We did not gain a Savior by chance. It was God’s own decision to take up the sins of the community and forgive.

Jesus’ death and resurrection also differs because it was done once for all. Jesus is not exiled but exalted. The weight of sin and death is not just removed, but its power destroyed. So, we not only put down the weight of sin but take up our cross and follow Jesus from glory to glory!

Author: Austin Troyer