It’s About the Lamb!
“This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins” (1 John 4:10, NLT).
Remember as a child sliding the crayon on a white piece of paper, from one dot to another until getting to the last dot, excited to see a picture form? This is often how we come to understand certain things—connecting the dots. Have we considered the “dot connection” (if you will) of the Lamb of God? As we draw near to Easter, let’s pick up our crayon and begin connecting as we see the progression of the Lamb.
Genesis 22: God declares to Abraham to take his son Isaac, his only son to the mountain and offer him as a sacrifice. As Abe and son begin their hike up the mountain, father placing the wood on the shoulders of the son, Isaac says, “The fire and wood are here,” then asks, “But where is the lamb?” Abraham confidently responds, “God Himself will provide the lamb.” As the story progresses, Isaac is on the altar, Abraham obeys to the fullest. God knowing his heart, stops him and in substitution, provides a male lamb for the sacrifice. The lamb provided.
Exodus 12: God prepares the Israelites to leave the captivity of Egypt. Instructions were given as the Angel of Death would soon be unleashed. “Take the lamb” slay and place the blood of the lamb on the doorpost of the home. The blood now over them—death avoided. The lamb protected.
John 1: John the Baptist, known as an eccentric evangelist and prophet, sees Jesus approaching; he openly declares, “Look, behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” John purposely points to Jesus, the shift of attention—to the divine. The Lamb proclaimed.
John 19: Jesus is hung on a cross, just before His last breath, He states, “It is finished” (v30). Jesus, the Lamb of God is the propitiation (atonement) for our sins, (1 John 2:2, Ro 3:23-25) meaning that through His death on the cross, God’s wrath is satisfied, and forgiveness and reconciliation is offered to mankind. The Lamb propitiated (Big fancy theological word).
Revelation 5: The heavenly citizens declare before the throne, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise” (v12). THAT verse! Read it again as Holy Spirit breathes on you with His Majesty! Let’s all stand to our feet! The Lamb PRAISED!
As we enjoy dark chocolate with cream filled eggs (I SO love Easter candy) let’s take these next few days building up to Easter—our dots connected, as we wholeheartedly consider the Lamb of God. The blood stained cross. The empty tomb. Focusing, seeing, understanding and participating in the celebration of Jesus. What a powerful reminder of God’s love and grace, as well as the profound cost of our redemption.
It’s not about the bunny—it’s about the LAMB!
The lamb provided, protected, proclaimed, propitiated and praised.
Worthy is the LAMB!
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
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