December 12, 2021
Why did God use the symbol of a lamb so closely in his first coming?
Sheep (lambs included) are the most mentioned animal in the Bible. Depending on what translation you use, sheep are mentioned between 368 - 500 times! There must be a lot God wanted to teach and show us through this animal.
First, Jesus wanted to reveal his birth by using the metaphor of a lamb. Specifically, a sacrificial lamb. (discussed in advent studies 10 & 11)
- Abraham nearly sacrificed his son, Isaac, and at the last moment God provided for him a ram. (Genesis 22) - Passover is celebrated because of what God did for the Israelites to protect them from the 10th and final plague in Egypt which was the slaying of the first born because Pharaoh would not let the slaves go. the Israelites were protected by God by taking the blood of a lamb and smearing it on the doorposts of their homes. This obedient act protected their first born from death. (Exodus 12:1-7) John the Baptist says, "Behold, the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world."
John 1:29 Secondly, sheep are a great metaphor for those who follow Christ. - His sheep know his voice! (John 10:14) - Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Did you know sheep that have been 'cast down', meaning they are on their backs with their feet up in the air, can not get up on their own? Someone will have to help the sheep up or it will die.
Another interesting aspect of sheep is their fear or dislike of being sheered. Even in the heat of the summer, sheep will fight to keep away from someone trying to help them cool off. All that wool is heavy! It makes me think of our comfort living in our own sin. We prefer the weight of the sin over the discomfort of sheering it and leaving it behind forever.
Am I able to lie down in green pastures?
If I am not able to rest in Him, why not? Do I trust The Good Shepherd?
In these confusing days of 2021, it is easy to get wrapped up in worry of what could happen. Remember, our battle is a spiritual one. Choose a few of these verses to memorize for battle.
- Exodus 14:14 "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
- John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
- Isaiah 41:10 “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.”
- Psalm 56:3 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."
- Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
- Revelation 1:17 “Then he placed his right hand on me and said: 'Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.'”
- Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.”
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