Date: December 21, 2011 9:19 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Animals: Sheep
The Animals: Sheep
"...it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed...but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect" (1 Peter 1:18-19).
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 1:4-9
We have no reason to believe that the sheep from the fields accompanied the shepherds into Bethlehem to find the Messiah in a manger. More likely, the unreasoning animals stayed put until the shepherds returned to them. Being pastured just outside of Bethlehem, they were no doubt designated for sacrifice during the Passover celebration which was close at hand.
Old Testament law prescribed with detail how the Israelites were to sacrifice spotless lambs in atonement for sins. For generations that practice would be a graphic picture of the need for the blood of One who was perfect to cover over the sins of the imperfect. Many sheep would die at the altar, stirring up in the hearts of God's people a yearning for a better way. When God sent Jesus to earth, the better way - the last and final spotless Lamb - had arrived. The shepherd's flock had a role in this act of the drama, too. They remind us that the real Lamb who took away the sin of the world was just beyond the field in a lowly cattle stall.
Insight: God's promises have stood from days of old. Abraham assured young Isaac that God Himself would provide the lamb (Genesis 22:8). He did, indeed!
No comments:
Post a Comment