Archive for February, 2008

Scapegoat

Monday, February 25th, 2008
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A recent episode of Smallville portrayed Clark Kent (aka Superman) meeting an almost identical twin, called Bizarro. Clark was amazed at their likeness and comparable power, and learned that Bizarro was there to steal his identity, destroy him, and take his place on earth. Since no one but Clark can recognize the difference between them, Bizarro does some stuff that makes Clark look bad. Clark became a scapegoat.

The word “scapegoat” refers to someone who gets the blame for something. When someone is “scapegoated”, it often happens against their will. Women weren’t allowed to go to college in the mid-nineteenth century, because men felt they could not handle the educational load. Adolf Hitler blamed the Jews in Europe during World War 2 for the economic problems in Germany.

The origin of the word, “scapegoat” can be traced to an annual ceremony conducted on the Day of Atonement in the Old Testament. You can read in Leviticus 16:5-22 how two male goats were selected by the Jewish high priest. One was chosen to be sacrificed for the sins of the nation of Israel, while the other would become the scapegoat and would carry away the blame for the sins.

The New Testament records that these goats were symbols of Jesus and what He did for all humanity. He gave his life once for all, according to Hebrews 7:27, atoning for all of the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). The first goat, which was a sin offering for the Israelites, symbolized Jesus’ death on a cross. The second goat - the scapegoat - symbolized the totally innocent Jesus, receiving and accepting and removing the guilt of sin that each of us is responsible for. Read Psalm 103:1-12 for something else to shout about.

Have you ever been a scapegoat? Ever wished you had one? None of us is without sin and guilt. Scripture says all of us have turned away from God, and He has passed that blame onto His Son Jesus for each and every one of us (Isaiah 53:6). Jesus has become our scapegoat. Think theologically. When we put our trust in Jesus, we receive forgiveness for everything we have done wrong. God then sees us as blameless children of His - because Jesus took the blame we deserved.

Jesus took on your guilt, shame, and sin. Have you placed your trust in him as Savior and Lord? Relating to Jesus as Savior involves forgiveness and love. Relating to Him as Lord involves obedience and service. How are you developing a lifestyle of reverence, obedience, and service?

Love is a verb,

Mike

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Overwhelmed by Hard Times?

Monday, February 18th, 2008
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The USS Nautilus left for an assignment below the ice frozen waters of Alaska on August 1, 1958 (the year I was born, by the way). Commander Bill Anderson took the sub and its crew under the Arctic ice cap at 500 feet for its maneuvers. Ice ranging from 10-50 feet thick kept the sub from the surface above. Two days later, the sub and its crew of 116 resurfaced. They were the first to reach the North Pole, from below.

The USS Nautilus’ trip to the North Pole was not its first mission. The boat had sailed many times, overcame challenges, completed missions, and even set other records. Most of us will never have that sort of adventure. But it does not take going below solid ice for days to make us feel trapped in difficult and often impenetrable situations. That can happen from procrastination, poor choices, an overly busy schedule, grief or sorrow, or giving into temptation.

Some of the first century Christians felt similarly. Paul and Timothy, leaders in the early church, felt overwhelmed by hard times. They said they were “under great pressure, far beyond their ability to endure” (2 Corinthians 1:18-22). But they knew several things that helped them endure their tough circumstances:

First, they said, “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves, but God” (2 Cor 1:8). When you find yourself “submerged” in or under tough times, you may be tempted to pull away from God. Paul said they were going to rely on God, and not their own efforts to resurface.

Second, they said, “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril and He will deliver us (2 Cor 1:10). Paul remembered previous times when God had helped them through tough times, and knew they could rely on God once again. If God could delivered Paul and Timothy again and again, why could He not help you?

Third, Paul said, “You help us by your prayers” (2 Cor 1:11). You often do not realize it, but many are praying for you - a parent, friend, colleague, or even a Apple user like me. Scripture says even Jesus and the Holy Spirit are interceding for you today (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:26).

You may face circumstances and feel submerged deeper than you feel you can handle. In those times, remember that it is never too cold or dark for God to reach you. Cultivate your knowledge of God regularly so you know who to turn to in trouble or peril. Read the Psalms - five a day x 30 days can get you through them in a month. Reach out for God today. Grow devotionally. No depth or barrier is too hard for God’s deliverance.

Mike O.

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