Scapegoat

 but the goat on which the lot fell for Azazel shall be presented alive before the Lord to make atonement over it, that it may be sent away into the wilderness to Azazel.
Leviticus 16:10 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/lev.16.10.ESV

The ESV reflects some of the ambiguity around 'Azazel', but I simply take the word according to the traditional understanding of scapegoat. Even today people moan about being made into scapegoats. The ultimate scapegoat wasn't some ancient literal goat though!

Jesus is the ultimate Scapegoat, who came from the Father God's side to the wilderness of this world. This is so that we might be restored to a right relationship with God. He endured satanic temptations in the wilderness of Judea, and defeated the devil on our behalf.

Jesus went to the ultimate wilderness of estrangement from Father God from whom all blessings flow. He endured God's wrath at our sin upon the cross so that we might be brought back into a good standing with the Almighty. We who once were estranged from God can be brought near because Jesus was banished to death for us.

How can the temporary death of Christ save us for eternity? In the words of the old hymn, it's 'mystery all, th'Immortal dies'. Because He did that for us, mortals like us can live forever.

'Father God, we praise You for Christ, the ultimate Scapegoat. May we entrust ourselves to You, for all that You've done for us. In His name we pray, amen'

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