FREEDOM FROM THE SCAPEGOAT SYNDROME

 By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi


 The Israelites had a special ceremony in the Old Testament which took place every year on the day of Atonement : during which two goats were chosen by lots ,one to be sacrificed and  the other to become a scapegoat , then Aaron the high priest will assemble the people and lay his hands on the scapegoat's head. 

   This was interpreted to mean that the burden of sins of the nation has been transferred to the animal and  the goat was taken outside the camp and forced into the wilderness to perish  .

   This is symbolic of a greater sacrifice when Jesus was led outside the city to be crucified,  God the Father placed our sins upon him and he became a scapegoat and our sacrificial lamb.

 "For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,Romans 3:25 NLTBible and "For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time."Hebrews 10:10 NLT BIBLE. 

 Like the case of the scapegoat  unfortunately some families carry on a similar practice in an unhealthy manner where a member of the family sacrifices his or her progress for the progress of others .

   Scapegoats of families often yearn for love and acceptance they have never received manifested in lack of self-esteem and outburst of anger or rebellion.  They know deep inside the injustice of being singled out and separated from the family and their frustrations can find their way into behavioral problems. This is a major reason behind marital crisis ,such persons demand excess care from their spouses or become melancholic.

     The Old Testament scapegoat had a redeeming nature which  is not the case for a family scapegoat . They bear problems beyond their age or ability to understand resulting in terrible emotional damage and every attempt at reaching out to their family for comfort only leads to further separation. 

   How can the cycle of the scapegoat mentality be broken ? It starts when we discover the unconditional love and acceptance in our relationship with Jesus Christ. in Jesus Christ we find unconditional acceptance and through him we receive power and strength to be joyful in spite of our circumstances. " So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world."1 Peter 1:6‭-‬7 NLTBible and nothing can separate us from the love of God.( Rom.8:38-39) 

   God has not singled out anyone in a family to sacrifice their life for others. God has already paid the price for our sins ,no more sacrifice is needed except that of gratitude  .    

   Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as Lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and power to make great progress in the face of much challenges in Jesus name.

+2348035536911; +2348098536911 e-mail michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

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