Good News!

In its original context, the word gospel meant good news. Let's say that a couple gets pregnant with their first child. When they make the announcement to family and friends, that would be a gospel moment. It is the moment when good news is shared.

A “lame duck” President met with his successor in the Oval Office. Near the end of the orientation, he presented the incoming leader three numbered envelopes, with specific instructions to open them, in order, when great difficulties arose. After the new President completed his honeymoon period with the media and the public, the nation experienced an economic downturn. He opened the first envelope. Inside was a card that read: “Blame me.” So he did, criticizing the former administration. After a while, social upheaval brought about a critical domestic crisis. The President opened the second envelope. Inside was a card that read: “Blame my party.” He did so, in an overt display of partisan politics. About a year later, foreign policy resulted in serious problems and the President opened the third envelope. Inside, the card read: “Prepare three envelopes.”

It’s been said, “He who smiles in a crisis has found someone to blame”. Some enterprising business came up with an idea for offering a unique service. The company was called Rent-A-Scapegoat. They advertised that they would gladly come to any business and accept blame for whatever happened, admitting to nearly anything.  This week, we are going to be looking at the original scapegoat found in Leviticus 16. In this amazing Old Testament illustration of the grace, mercy, and empowerment of God in our lives, we will discover that God has provided forgiveness and removal of our sins. And it is really good news!