How many goats today?

"If anyone of the common people sins unintentionally in doing any one of the things that by the LORD's commandments ought not to be done, and realizes his guilt, or the sin which he has committed is made known to him, he shall bring for his offering a goat, a female without blemish, for his sin which he has committed" (Leviticus 4:27-28).

So how many goats do you need to sacrifice today for the sins you committed yesterday?

Think hard.

Let me help. Just go through the Ten Commandments.

1. You shall have no other gods before me. Did you place anything or anyone ahead of God yesterday, even for just a moment?

2. You shall not bow down to worship any graven images. Did you worship any created thing or person?

3. You shall not take the name of the LORD in vain. Did you use any of God's names as a curse, or slang, or in a joke, or in any way that was not bringing honor to Him?

4. Remember the Sabbath day. Good thing yesterday was Friday!

5. Honor your father and your mother. How did you talk to your parents or about them yesterday? Are you caring for their needs?

6. You shall not murder. Did you kill anyone? Did you hate anyone?

7. You shall not commit adultery. Have sex with anyone other than your spouse - even in your mind?

8. You shall not steal. Did you take anything from someone else? Were you lazy at work? Were you late to an appointment?

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Did you lie about someone to make yourself look better? Did you attack someone's character?

10. You shall not covet. Did you yearn after something that belongs to someone else? New TV? Six-pack abs? New car? What were you thinking during the commercials yesterday?

How did you do?

How many goats do you need to sacrifice today?

What about tomorrow?

And the next day?

And every day?

For the rest of your life?

Better start a goat farm.

Your situation is pretty hopeless.

Just keep reading.

John the Baptist said of Jesus, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). Imagine that!

One sacrifice that would take away the sin of the world.

One sacrifice that would take away all of your guilt before God.

One sacrifice that would remove the burden of your sins from your shoulders.

One sacrifice that would make it possible for you to stand in the presence of a holy God.

One sacrifice.

All you have to do is accept that sacrifice. God has already promised that that one sacrifice is sufficient.

"But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the satisfaction for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:1-2).

God is satisfied with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus paid the price for all of your sins already.

Trust God. Take Him at His word. Your debt has been paid. Stop trying to pay it on your own.