Lamb of God

With so many descriptions and names of Jesus, one of my favorite is The Lamb of God. This name speaks, above all else, about Jesus willingly became the sacrificial lamb or scapegoat on our behalf on the cross. This is an endearing title that all believers have come to love and honor for our Messiah.

John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!   John 1:29   While the title the Lamb of God only started in the New Testament, prophetic pictures and references to the coming Lamb of God are scattered throughout the Old Testament.

In Genesis, God commands Abraham to offer his beloved son Isaac as a sacrifice. God is not endorsing child sacrifice among men — but He is foretelling His Child sacrifice for men. As Abraham did not withhold his son from God, God also did not withhold His Son for mankind.

The Lamb of God is also dramatically revealed in Exodus 12 and 13, with the Jewish Feast of the Passover. This is perhaps the most compelling foreshadow of the coming Lamb of God, the Messiah. The Passover Feast is eaten in remembrance of the Lord “passing over” the houses of those who had sacrificed the Passover Lamb and sprinkled its blood on their wooden doorposts and mantles, while the angel of death visited those who had not sprinkled the blood of the lamb. The angel of death was the final of ten plagues sent by God to redeem His people from slavery in Egypt, the land of their bondage.

The Passover law of the Jewish heritage requires each family to keep a young male lamb, without blemish to be sacrificed. Blood is to be poured onto the altar, no bones must be broken during the act and the lamb was then hung upon special hooks or sticks to be skinned. Again a prophetic act that is fufilled by Jesus on the cross. A young cute lamb cruelly sacrified frames the cruelty and pain our sweet Lord had to go through.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.   Matthew 5:17

 

 

The Lamb of God depicts the Son of God.

God provided His very Son, the Son of God who came to become our sacrifical lamb and was thereafter returned to His glory as the Lion of Judah. When the Day of the Lord comes, those who have covered themselves in the blood of the Lamb by accepting Christ will be kept safe while the world pays for their rebellion against God.

Grace came – Jesus’ Calling

In The Calling of the First Disciples in Luke 5:1-11, Jesus got onto the boat of Simon Peter and started teaching. Simon Peter on the boat became the closest audience. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”   Mark 1:15

After that Jesus, asked Simon Peter to lower their nets, which probably has been washed for the day. Simon Peter in humble obedience followed, “because You say so“. They then caught a large number of fish that their nets break and both boats were so filled that they began to sink.

This miracle is both prophetic and physical. While the prophetic is for the disciples to be fisher of men subsequently, many has overlook the subtle peripheral effect of physical material blessing of Jesus. While it is not the focus of this context, it nevertheless project the abundance of God, part of the essence of God. Even Solomon’s spendor cannot compare to the lilies in the field, how much more you. We know later that the disciples chose a even better gift, to follow Jesus and to be part of His ministry.

Another important aspect, was Simon Peter’s reaction that he fell at Jesus’ knee with the revelation of Jesus’ divine being, power and manifestation of his goodness. He had no doubt then, of the power and knowledge of Jesus. Remember that he has heard Jesus’ teaching and he must already had the stirring in his heart.

Sinful man can’t help but will always prostrate before revealed glory and presense of God, with deep consciousness of his unworthiness and of sin. But Jesus came to seek the lost and to save the impure. He graciously condescends to dwell with those who are humble and contrite, though they are conscious that they are not worthy of his presence; He came not to punish but so that we may therefore come boldly to him, and ask him to receive us, and to an eternal dwelling with him in the heavens.

Have you had that experience yet?

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.   Revelation 3:19-21

Weed Wickedness

Sometimes you just have to wonder why is there so much suffering and pain caused by the wickedness of the world. People with no regard for empathy, justice or moral, no concern of anything other than their own selfish greed. To make things worse, there is no way of redress in sight.  Where is God in all these? In all His wisdom and power, why doesn’t He do anything?

Then again, we just have to admit we are none wiser.

Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

“The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’

” ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.
“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

” ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’ ”   Matthew 13:24-29

The wickedness of the world will ripen to the point of the harvest. More importantly, the righteousness will also mature at the same time. Wickedness and righteousness will both grow side by side of each other until the time when the Lord returns.

The darkest days of the wickedness will also be the finest hour of the righteousness.

Happiness, the Secret

In the world, people are all in the pursue of happiness. It is probably the most misunderstood concept because it seems so simple yet so elusive. Everyone seems to be able to achieve it, yet many see it fleeing.

An article shows that even the level of happiness makes a difference in the physical outcome.   ‘Moderate’ Happiness May Be Healthier

“To put the findings in perspective, it is important to note that happiness generally correlates with all kinds of positive measures, said Illinois psychology professor Ed Diener, an author of the study. In general, the happier you are the more successful you are in terms of money, employment and relationships.

All in all, Diener said, the evidence indicates that happiness is a worthy goal for those who lack it, but the endless pursuit of even more happiness for the already happy may be counterproductive.”

But what really is happiness? An elated feeling, a sense of bliss and ecstasy? Is it really so obscure and indescribable? Is happiness the ultimate goal or is it really a product of something deeper?

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   Philippians 4:4-7

So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.    John 16:22-24

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.   15:9-11

Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.   James 5:13

the best things in Life are… FREE

In this materialistic world where everything comes with a price tag, we tend to look at everything in pragmatic monetary terms.

We often forgot about where it all comes from. Was it an orginal way of Life as intended?

Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.  

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.   Genesis 1:29-31

Every creation, every plant, every beast and even our very breath is given. God gave us everything! And He declared it was very good! And all these comes without a price tag.

Not that we can afford anyway.

Remember that cool evening breeze, that gentle warm of the sun, the beauty of the rainbow, your parents’ love, the embrace of your spouse, the giggles of your children, the fresh scene of the morning garden, the spectacular of the stars, the songs of the birds, the vastness of the ocean, space and beyond…

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.   Matthew 10:8

But most of all…

Jesus said, “It is finished.”   John 19:30

“I AM”

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.   Isaiah 41:10

I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”   John 6:51

Children of Light

Living as Children of Light

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.   Ephesians 5:7-10

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.  

Ephesians 5:19-21

Unforgiveness

This is one of the most rampant and hidden bondages that has people, including God’s children, from experiencing the freedom and life God has intended. A spiritual poison that blocks the Holy Spirit and prevents God’s love from flowing. It drags and burden, robs and defiles the person, rejecting the very grace of God. It create an open invitation for the devil and his tormentors.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.   Colossians 3:12-14

The blessings of forgiveness

When we forgive, it opens us up to God’s forgiveness (Matthew 6:15), it puts us in a receiving position when we pray (Mark 11:24, 25), it helps us become spiritually fruitful (John 15:10, 12, 5), and we will know that we have passed from spiritual death to being reconciled with our heavenly Father when we love each other (1 John 3:14)! When we keep God’s commandments and love one another, we prove that we love Jesus (John 14:21), and we abide in Christ’s love (John 15:10)! What a magnificent blessing forgiveness really is!!!   Unforgiveness: Spiritual Poison

Riches and Kingdom of Heaven

This young man, supposing a Jew, came and asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life. The point of discussion is Eternal Life. Jesus’ replies gave us the answers.

Jesus replied why that he asked what is good. Jesus is implying here that eternal life is good. (OK, so that’s obvious). The important point is, He said that there is only ONE who is good, which is Himself . So,

Eternal Life = good = the ONE =>Jesus

The obeying of the commandments, the law of God, if you want to enter life,  note that it is not eternal life as asked by the man, sets the condition that Jesus Christ who is the real fulfillment of the law and that man is not justified for eternal life by the works of the law.

nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.   Galatians 2:16

Jesus further elaborated that if he wants to be perfect, he has to give all his riches to the poor and follow Him.

• To be perfect, we follow Jesus, John 12:20.
• To be perfect, we give to the poor, loving one another, to be His disciples, John 13:34.
• To be perfect, there must be no other gods before Him, Exodus 20:3. The very first and most important commandment, the young man apparently failed, thus failing the entire mosaic convenant, which he claimed to have kept.

Jesus then explained it is impossible for rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, because he will see greed and self-suffiicience in his riches.

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”   Luke 12:15

“This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”   Luke 12:21

Who then can be saved?

With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

There are many misunderstandings with this biblical incident. Man is only justified through faith by Christ Jesus, and even man’s best effort fails short.

Nothing wrong with being rich, having riches as the Lord bless. But to guard against the bondage of greed and self-sufficience. Blinded to the needs of the needy. To build faulty confidence and self-worth in riches than on God alone. To store up treasure on earth rather than heaven, because that is where your heart will be.

Goodbye, DB9.