Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?" "Yes, my son?" Abraham replied. "The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering? Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." Gen 22:7-8
From the very beginning, the first book of the Bible, the promise has been a lamb.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29
Did you read that? Jesus Christ, the Lamb, who takes away the sin of the world.
That pertains to you and I. Today. Washed clean by His blood.
A pure.
Spotless.
Unadulterated lamb.
Because we were unclean.
Were unclean.
The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. Acts 8:32
He didn't even try to avoid our penalty. He went before the mass of those screaming "Crucify!" willingly. No cry of desperation, or plea for someone to let Him go.
The cross. Calvary. Nails.
An innocent Lamb.
Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 1 Corinthians 5:7
{What is this admonition? Get rid of the old yeast? Perhaps to remind us that we are a new creation, and because of that slain lamb we can live like a new creation. Unleavened and full of the Spirit. }
They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Revelation 12:11
There we find it. The answer. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb.
Jesus Christ, our passover lamb. Who died, then rose again. We would not have the ressurection had he not have been taken to the Cross first. Never discount the blood that was shed there. Never shrink back in horror at the death He bore so that we might have eternal life.
Rejoice in Calvary. Weep at Calvary. Because it was there that your debt was paid.
The sin of the world required blood, and blood is not pretty. {If you have a hard time understanding why, as Christians, our penance had to be paid with such a price, I would encourage you to find a Bible and read Leviticus. It's not too difficult to understand, and you will see the history of the sacrifices and what was required for each sin. Our Jehovah God is merciful, yet requires much.}
Let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say, "I am rich"
Let the blind say, "I can see"
It's what the Lord has done in me
Hosanna, hosanna
To the Lamb that was slain
Hosanna, hosanna
Jesus died and rose again
Through the river I will wade
There my sins are washed away
From the heavens mercy streams
Of the Savior's love for me
I will rise from waters deep
Into the saving arms of God
I will sing salvation songs
Jesus Christ has set me free
Hosanna, hosanna
To the Lamb that was slain
Hosanna, hosanna
Jesus died and rose again
It is simply in faith in the finished work of Christ. You cannot and absolutely will not overcome what has you held, until your faith is there. You will not be victorious through any work of your own kind. Oh, you can try.
More than likely you have, and probably have been disappointed by the short term results. It doesn't mean you're not saved! You might just be struggling with your very own self.
After such a sacrifice on His part, Let Jesus have you completely. Your failures and all.
I promise He knows what to do with them.
{Photo credit goes to Melinda at Abounding in Hope. Many thanks to her for so graciously letting me use her pictures of their family farm's sweet baby lambs to portray the Innocence of our Jesus.}
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