THE LAMB

First, Jesus came as a vulnerable baby whom a king tried to kill during a slaughter of infants in Bethlehem. Then Jesus grew under the direction of Joseph and Mary, who faithfully taught and trained him throughout his childhood and youth. Next, somehow Mary knew Jesus was a miracle worker when she asked her oldest son to turn the dirty foot-washing water into wine. He honored and obeyed his parents. The first miracle happened at a wedding, and the guests remarked on the quality of the wine served last.

Jesus began his public ministry at age 30. He recruited 12 men from a variety of backgrounds, from common fishermen to a tax collector and a doctor. They were a motley crew, much like we are. They had a variety of backgrounds, weaknesses, tempers, and impulsiveness, yet they recognized that Jesus was someone very special. They listened intently, trying to understand all of his kingdom teachings. Leaving their homes and the comfort of their careers to follow this man of God.

The disciples saw firsthand miracles: thousands were fed on two recorded occasions, with small lunches that God multiplied to feed the multitudes who followed to hear Jesus teach. They saw lepers totally cleansed and returned to their homes, the blind see, the lame walk, and those who never spoke speak. Then there were several who were dead and raised up: a little girl, a mother, and Lazarus. The demons cried out and asked him not to cast them out, but many were freed because the demons had to obey him.

Then, after all of this, religious leaders who should have understood the prophecies of the Torah, and that Jesus satisfied all of these prophecies of the Messiah, were spiteful and full of contempt in the ways that they spoke about him and skeptical in their open questioning of him. Still, Jesus continued to minister out of compassion to the poor and the outcast, as well as to others who followed him, teaching and bringing God's message to earth as the Father's messenger to open all of mankind's eyes.

One day, Jesus rode on a donkey into Jerusalem, cheered on by the masses who honored him and expected him to overthrow and reign in an earthly kingdom over Israel. Days later, through the urging and bribery of the elite whose power was threatened by his popularity and his stand against the religious nonsense that was holding people in bondage, they persuaded the authorities to arrest him, claiming that there would be uprisings, and the Romans in authority wanted to quell any disturbance that might unseat them by the powers in Rome. All for their political power and influence: the priests, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the governor, and King Herod chose to turn a blind eye to the message and the true nature of the messenger and destroyed the life of an innocent man.

Times have not changed. We should not be surprised. The heart of man is deceitful. Even those who call themselves Christians are flaky, lovers of self rather than the holy nature of God. Killers of innocent babies, for convenience, out of ignorance, for the curse of regret and shame that will follow them. Taking the name of God in vain. Not willing to stand up for truth with a form of godliness but not truly surrendered to God the Father, God the Son, Jesus, and God the Holy Spirit. Devoid of wisdom, they do not realize they are walking into the enemy's trap.

But God. He is still on the throne. Jesus sits on the throne, advocates for us, and sends angelic hosts to hold back the tide of evil. Don't think God isn't at work. He has given us free will. He respects that. He does not want a kingdom of puppets. So, yes, there is still no peace all over the earth: not yet. But His promises are true. Jesus will come back and claim his own. He will destroy the enemy's works and bring perfect peace to this earth, but in the meantime, we are the salt and the light on this earth.

Do not despair. All is not lost. By prayer and fasting, we will wage war against the kingdom of darkness. By forgiving, loving, and following the example of Jesus, who stood up against the stumbling blocks and evil of His time, lives will be saved from depression and sickness, emotional hurts will be healed, demons cast out, and transformations will happen in the lives of many. 

We will stand and remain faithful until the return of the Lamb of God, Jesus, who was slain to defeat the enemy's hold on anyone's life turned over to God. One day, every knee will bow, every tongue will confess, and everyone will confess that Jesus is Lord. Some will be rejoicing, and others will be wailing and fearful when they realize they had an opportunity, yet they rejected Jesus, the Son of the Living God.

If you are desiring to make Jesus your Savior, just ask forgiveness for your sins, declare that you believe Jesus is the Son of God who died in place of us, the Lamb that was slain so we might be redeemed back to God. He also rose from the dead, and after 40 days appearing to many, he ascended into heaven to be our advocate. Thank Him for this sacrifice and His willingness to come, knowing how He would be treated. 

Know that when you ask forgiveness, you are forgiven no matter how grave the sins you have committed. Know that your heavenly Father loves you and is preparing a place for you to live with Him for all of eternity. Know that you are filled with the Holy Spirit Jesus promised who will teach you, guide you, and strengthen you as you are transformed day by day. Hope remains even in the darkness of this earthly life. We have a future, but we also have a life of victory: to be the light of the world and see others freed from the bondage and sentence of death for all eternity.

God bless you and keep you and yours.

Habakkuk 3:18-19 (KJV) Yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.