BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “….Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over it all the iniquities of the people of Israel, and all their transgressions, all their sins. And he shall put them on the head of the goat and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man who is in readiness. The goat shall bear all their iniquities on itself to a remote area, and he shall let the goat go free in the wilderness.” Leviticus 16:21-22 ESV

When an innocent person takes the blame for someone else, they are referred to as a “scape goat.” Often this is not a role that is freely taken on, but one that happens by default or the cunning of the guilty to escape condemnation.

I’m not sure if people tie that term to its biblical roots. The Day of Atonement (now known as Yom Kippur) is the most holiest of days on the Jewish calendar. The ritual laid out in the Law of Moses was very specific and detailed. As High Priest, Aaron had to sacrifice for himself. He had to make sacrifices and follow rituals to cleanse the altar and the Tabernacle.

Two male goats were selected. One was sacrifice. The other Aaron laid both hands on its head and confessed over it the sins of the people. Then a man who was chosen for the task, lead the goat into the wilderness and let the animal go. The sacrifices and the ritual involved in this important “day” were extensive and critical. It was to be a reminder of the seriousness of sin and holiness of God. This was not a flippant activity. This was a matter of life and death. Forgiveness and judgment. Bondage and slavery.

This process involved two animals that show the full meaning of salvation. One animal is killed as the substitute for the people, so they are free to live. The other animal is released to the wilderness as a visual demonstration that the sins it carries are gone and out of sight.

I recall hearing that tradition tells us that when the man who released the goat, saw the animal disappear over the horizon that he would turn back toward the camp and declare, “It…is…finished!” What a power connection to the death of Christ on the cross who fulfilled both aspects of salvation. He not only was the sacrifice for our sin, but was the, “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”  We are also reminded that, “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12 NIV)

That is why we see Hebrews declare, “And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood.” (Hebrews 13:12 NIV)

When I consider all that Christ has done for us and of the treasure of the gospel found in scripture, I recall the penetrating question, “…how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?….” (Hebrews 2:3 NIV) All we have to do is accept what has been so freely provided for us in Christ Jesus.

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that our salvation and freedom the guilty and judgment of sin has been freely provided. The work is finished! All we have to do is reap the benefits of that which has been taken on by our eternal “scape goat.” 

Yesterday, I attend a “Common Pursuit” event. It is a gathering of businessmen and professionals who are committed to live our their faith in the “marketplace.” My longtime friend James Ruder, CEO of L&R Pallet Company was one of the guests. His challenging question was, “What if we lived in such a way that our greatest fear was disobedience to the Lord?”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.” Psalm 51:4 ESV

In David’s psalm and prayer of repentance he articulates a concept that we see in the Bible. That is, our sin is ultimately sin against the Lord and the Lord is the One to whom we are ultimately accountable. So often, actions are justified with the dismissive, “It didn’t hurt anyone!” or the thought is the impact of our actions has little or not ramifications.

When David sinned with Bathsheba, it was two adults. While it was sin and wrong, the impact seemed minimal and could be humanly justified. But in the end we see it resulted in a cover up that resulted in the death of Bathsheba’s husband, it resulted in the birth of child who died, it resulted in an entire nation being impacted and most importantly it was a “sin against the Lord.”

We see this reflected in Joseph in the house of Potiphar. As his wife was tempting him perhaps it was with the words, “no one will know!” But Joseph said, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9 NIV)

When we live a “God-conscious” life we realize that we are not our own. We are not free to “do our own thing” to live as our human inclinations would dictate. There are codes of conduct and civil laws, but the highest standard is, “What does God say? What is right in His eyes and what is pleasing to Him?”

The restoration and repentance process is reconciliation with God and with others. We sin against God, but must remember the impact of our actions on others. We are relational people. All of our actions impact others. You may even be homeless without, family, but your actions will impact others.

Bottom line. When we sin, our actions impact ourselves and others. But we must remember that all sin is “sin against the Lord.” He is the One to whom we will ultimately be accountable. Recognizing our horizontal and vertical accountability of our actions is equally important.

That is why David’s prayer is so important, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14 NLT) When our words and conduct are right in God’s eyes, they will be right in the eyes of people.

Prayer for today…. Lord this day, “forgive us our transgressions, cleanse us from sin.” Lord, allow us to live not in fear of judgment, but out of the desire to lives in an unfettered relationship with You. We are reminded, “When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.” (Proverbs 16:7 NIV)

This morning I attended the Larimer County Boys & Girls Club annual breakfast. It was a recognition of the “students of the month” from each program and the “Student of the Year.” The student of the year presented an outstanding speech. It was well organized, delivered without notes, with a flawless presentation. Rightfully so, she received a standing ovation. I told her after the event that as someone who has made his living with words, I admire here more than anyone the quality of her presentation. I wish her well in all of her dreams and pursuits.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Then Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them, and he came down from offering the sin offering and the burnt offering and the peace offerings….And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the pieces of fat on the altar, and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.” Leviticus 9:22,24 ESV

As the instructions concerning sacrifices were given, the time had come for the instructions to be put into practice. Aaron was sanctified as High Priest. As such, Aaron, as the mediator between the people and God, followed the Lord’s instructions. Having offered sacrifices on behalf of the people, he turns and blesses the people on behalf of the Lord.

The acceptance of the offering is signaled when fire comes from heaven and consumes the sacrifice. This certainly would get anyone’s attention. The people rightly shouted and fell on their faces. It was probably fear, mixed with awe and worship.

The writer of Hebrews admonishes,  “…worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28,29 NIV)

We see the fire of God fall years later when Solomon dedicated the Temple of the Lord. Just as the first sacrifice in the wilderness was consumed by the fire of God, the first sacrifice of the Temple in Jerusalem was consumed by the fire of God.

Then the people are astonished by what happens shortly after this. “Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them.  And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.” (Leviticus 10:1,2 ESV)

The fire of God consumed the sacrifice done properly and in obedience. The fire of God consumed the men offering a sacrifice who did so out of presumption and disobedience. Aaron alone was the High Priest, sanctified to offer sacrifices and incense before the Lord. Nadab and Abihu, may have meant well, but the people quickly learned that doing the right thing in the right way was critical for a Holy God.

These two men were not authorized to offer the incense and the offering was not authorized either. They were already usurping God’s instructions and offering worship in their “own way.”

I believe the key point here is that there is not multiple ways to receive acceptance and forgiveness from the Lord. This principle in the Old Testament, is reinforced in the New Testament when scripture declares, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NIV)

When someone determines their own standards of acceptance before God, they are like Aaron’s sons offering “unauthorized fire” before the Lord. I have had individuals tell me, how they have “lived a good life”, or offer some other rationale or justification and conclude: “that should be good enough for God!” In other words they are dictating to God that standards of salvation and acceptance in His sight! They are saying, “this is my sacrifice, God should accept it!”

As scripture declares, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12 NIV) God is God and we are not. However, the Lord’s way to eternal life and salvation is clear and not difficult. We are simply invited to “believe and call.” “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) The Philippian jailer asked Paul, “what must I do to be saved?” He said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved….” (Acts 16:31 NIV)

We have peace with God and acceptance in His sight when we simply do what He asks of us. He offers His gift of eternal life, we just have to believe and receive. God’s ways bring life, our ways bring death.

Prayer for today…. Lord, you call us to faith and humble obedience. That is the way to life and acceptance by You. Help us to always follow you knowing Your ways are the best ways. May we be submissive, obedient and humble.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…..  “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth….I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears….Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” Psalm 34:1,4,8 ESV

Psalm 34 is a “classic” psalm with much loved and inspiring verses. As I look at the psalm, I notice the transition between key stanzas.

The psalm begins with a declaration of praise to the Lord.

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!” (Psalm 34:1-3 ESV)

This elation is not just “worked up” but comes from a life that has encountered the God of the universe and has seen Him to be faithful in all that He does. This is a declaration of a steadfast focus in life. “His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” When we grab hold of life in God, we don’t want to let go. The one who is a recipient of the Lord’s faithfulness invites others to join in worship to the Lord. Enthusiasm for the Lord is contagious.

Why is the psalmist so excited and exuberant in praise?

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.” (Psalm 34:4-6 ESV)

This is one who has sought the Lord in time of need and has been delivered from “all…fears.” This is relief on the other side of uncertainty and despair. As the psalmist declares, “[I] cried….the Lord heard….[The Lord] saved from all trouble.” In human relationships people often respond because they are asked. While we are thankful for the Lord’s watchful care over our lives, we need to remember the simple admonition to, “ask and it shall be given, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened.” (Matthew 7:7 NIV)

Then we see the invitation for others to experience God’s faithfulness.

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!” (Psalm 34:8,9 ESV)

There is plenty of God’s mercy, grace and provision to go around. His love is everlasting, His faithfulness endures from generation to generation. At times the simple challenge to others is, “give God a chance.” Give the Lord the opportunity to show Himself to you in your need. What you will find is the one who takes “refuge in Him” is blessed. You can make all kinds of errors in human judgment. But when you seek and honor that Lord, you will find the strength and provision for every need. And when you do, “His praise shall continually be in your mouth.”

Prayer for today…. Lord we give thanks for Your faithfulness. Thank You that we can seek You and when we do, we find You available, ready and willing to help, guide and protect. My our response to You meeting our need be hearts filled with continual praise. 

My day went fairly fast with meetings, calls and connections. It was good to connect with my friend George Brauchler District Attorney in Arapahoe County. He was in Fort Collins on a “listening tour” as he considers his political future.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.” Leviticus 1:4 ESV

Scripture declares, “the wages of sin is death….” (Romans 6:23 NIV) and “the soul who sins shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:20 NIV) There is one exception to this spiritual law. That exception is another taking the place of the one deserving of death.

I recall episodes of some CSI type of programs. A parent will plead guilty to a crime they did not commit because it is believed in doing so, they will keep a child from judgment. Perhaps it is the other way around. At any rate the concept of someone being willing to take someone else’s punishment seems to be evidence in various actions of people.

As the law was given to Moses, it was an animal sacrifice that was offered in the place of the sinful individual. But the process involved the laying on of hands on the head of the offering. This was a symbolic act of imparting the sins of the guilty onto the innocent that would be sacrificed. The Lord told Moses that this offering would be accepted by God and would be an “atonement” for the person.

Leviticus reveals the instructions for unintentional sins,  ^“He shall bring the bull to the entrance of the tent of meeting before the Lord and lay his hand on the head of the bull and kill the bull before the Lord.” (Leviticus 4:4 ESV)

It reveals the instructions for forgiveness of corporate sins,  ^“And the elders of the congregation shall lay their hands on the head of the bull before the Lord, and the bull shall be killed before the Lord.” (Leviticus 4:15 ESV)

When a leader sins unintentionally, “…he shall bring as his offering a goat, a male without blemish, and shall lay his hand on the head of the goat and kill it in the place where they kill the burnt offering before the Lord…” (Leviticus 4:23,24 ESV)

If a “common” person sins unintentionally, “And he shall lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and kill the sin offering in the place of burnt offering.” (Leviticus 4:29 ESV)

In each situation there is this “laying on of hands” on the sacrifice. This creates an identification with the sacrifice and is the symbolic act of transferring sin from the person to the sacrifice.

All of this is a picture of what Christ would fulfill for us. Hebrews declares of Christ’s role as High Priest, “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12 NIV)

Speaking of the work of Christ hundreds of years before hand, the prophet declared, “…the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 ESV) John declared of Jesus, “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2 NIV)

It was in that difficult to understand moment, that God the Father, allowed to be laid on Jesus, the sin of the world and it caused him to cry out, “My God, My God why have you forsake me?” 

To understand the power of the New Testament, we need to see the God of the Old Testament. We are those who are guilty, He is innocent. But in His compassion for us, He was willing to take the judgment of our sin on Himself, so that we might be free to live a new life.

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that You took our place. That our sin was “laid on You as You hung on the cross.” We rejoice that our sins have been paid and we are released to live a new life in You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “…the Jews from Asia, seeing him [Paul] in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.” Acts 21:27-29 ESV

The last eight chapters of the Book of Acts deal with Paul’s final trip to Jerusalem, his arrest and the trial and all that took place which allowed him to end up in Rome. The teachings of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles and other believers was “turning the world upside down” or better yet “right side up.”

Religious traditions of both Jews and Greeks were being view as under attack. Paul was determined, even against the desire and advice of other, to go to Jerusalem. When he does, he reports to James (the Head of the Church) all that had taken place in his travels.

The news of Saul of Tarsus, turned to Paul the Apostle, had spread throughout the region. The one who had hunted down Christians was the object of being hunted by the religious hierarchy. James knew Paul was in danger and attempted to show to critics that he was not against the law. There were four men getting ready to purify themselves at the end of a vow they had taken. James told Paul,

“We have four men who are under a vow; take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law.”  (Acts 21:23,24 ESV)

The plans backfire when closed minded men, looking for a reason to accuse Paul, stir up the crowd and instead of recognizing his actions in obedience to the law, accuse him falsely of taking a gentile into the Temple. This leads to Paul’s arrest and two plus years of Paul defending himself and gospel before religious and political leaders and courts.

In it all the Lord was with Paul to encourage, strengthen and help him. These false accusations gave him audiences that he would not otherwise have had. But it was all as a prisoner, not a free man. He was denied the rights of a Roman citizen, he was chained, plotted against but through it all we see the Lord’s faithfulness.

I am thankful the Lord is able to overcome the prejudice, plots and false accusations of foes. Paul was willing to follow James’ advice to try to dissuade the critics. But critics don’t observe facts. We see crowds incited not based on their own evidence but on the frenzy worked up by a few zealots. A false report is viewed as being fact and true.

Remember: false accusations, trumped up charges and opinions at the hands of opponents is part of life. The Lord can help us and work through us in spite of the opposition.

Remember also, to “check out the facts” before you jump to conclusions. It may be about a friend, a leader, a situation that has taken place. Don’t give in to a “mob” mentality. For you it is a momentary lapse of judgment. For the accused it may result in change in direction with lasting ramifications.

The “spiritual” and the “natural” events of this account are important for us to observe and to learn from. When events take place that God is allowing and using it is one thing. When actions come from the hearts of sinful people it is another. Always make sure you are on the “right side.”

Prayer for today…. Lord, we live in challenging days and times. But what we see in our world and what we can encounter in our own lives, it not new and is not a surprise to You. Help us to keep our faith and focus on the God who is above the fray.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”  And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question.” Acts 15:1-2 ESV

It all began with Peter, but had to be settled some time later as Paul’s ministry to Gentiles began to expand. The question was, Can Gentiles be saved without at least being circumcised and better yet following the law?

After the Gentile “Pentecost” at the house of Cornelius Peter returns to give a report to the Church. It came as a result of him being criticized for “eating with Gentiles.” Peter carefully recounts all that had taken place and at the end lays out his greatest defense by asking a rhetorical question: “If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” (Acts 11:17 ESV)

The Church responded as you would hope for those who are open to God’s Spirit and work, “When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, ‘Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.’” (Acts 11:18 ESV)

But when more and more Gentiles were coming to faith in Christ it was a cause of dissension and trouble in the Church. The leaders did what should be done. They held a “meeting” to address the issue and to come to a resolution.

Some of those who came to faith in Christ were Pharisees, like Paul, but they unlike Paul they held to their spiritual superiority attitude, “some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, ‘It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.’” (Acts 15:5 ESV)

Peter shares his experience. Paul and Barnabas recount miracles and the impact of the gospel among the Gentiles. Peter makes a compelling argument, “Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” (Acts 15:10,11 ESV)

James, the brother of Jesus, is in the “seat of judgment” listening and offers the final verdict.  ^“Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.” (Acts 15:19,20 ESV)

The Church responds positively and the issue as far as the leaders and mature believers are concerned is resolved. However, as Paul’s letters reveal. some would not accept the wisdom of the process, and continue to make circumcision as a requirement for salvation an issue.

My observations and “take-a-ways.”

1 – When facing a challenging environment, don’t go alone. (Peter took  six other me with him to Cornelius’ house)

2 – Be open to God pushing us outside of our comfort zones and stretching our beliefs and traditions

3- Confronting problems and controversy is challenging but always best

4 – The Lord provides the confirmation of the wisdom manifested through Godly people.

5 – There will always be those who will stay stuck in their own traditions and views

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You that You give wisdom and direction to move the gospel forward. You care about practical matters, because they have a spiritual impact. Help us to be more open to Your leading and Spirit then our own opinions, traditions and ideas.

This morning we hosted a “nominating petition signing party” at our home. It was good to have many friends and neighbors stop by and show their support. This afternoon, I had some help in covering about 125 houses as we began our door to door walking campaign. Thanks to all those who have been supportive and encouraging in this effort.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” Psalm 37:5,6 ESV

Psalm 37 contains some very familiar and encouraging verses. When they are placed in sequence, they form a sense direction and assurance of God’s presence throughout our journey in life.

It is important that we, as Solomon admonished, “trust in the Lord in all [our] heart.” The verse above is David’s “version.” “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him….”  We also read the familiar verse, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4 ESV)

The goal of our life is not to coerce the Lord to be with us, but for us to be sure we are following Him and allowing Him to go before us in all that we do.

The importance of this is seen in these verses, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” (Psalm 37:23,24 ESV)

Life will certainly have its ups and downs. There will be challenges, mistakes and failures. But when the Lord is directing our life we can have the confidence that, “our failures are not fatal.” When I read these verses, I think of the Lord lifting Peter from the waves of the sea when he sank in the sea of Galilee, as he was walking on the water.

The testimony of those who follow the Lord and allow Him to be their source of trust and help is reflected in these verses, “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” (Psalm 37:25 ESV) 

At the end of life, when we reflect on the journey of life, we will be able to observe and testify to the goodness of the Lord. Even when trials come and disappointments and delays are part of “our” plan we can see the Lord working in our behalf and for our good.

Understanding how the Lord desires to work through the course of our life, in the journey of life, the psalmist offers this simple advice, “Stop doing evil and do good, so you will live forever.”  (Psalm 37:27 NCV)

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for the words of encouragement, assurance and direction we find in this one psalm. Allow our hearts to be filled with hope and peace as we commit this day and all our days to You.