01/12/2021
In the time of Jesus, lambs being readied for sacrifice in the temple were wrapped in swaddling cloth at birth, and protected from harm during their lives so that they would be unblemished, and perfect sacrifices. These were special among all the lambs, and prepared for the sole purpose of atoning for sin. Jesus became such a Lamb for us, and He took on our sin; giving His blood that we would be purified and redeemed. So how do we look upon this man, our Lamb, in the aftermath of His sacrifice? Do we bless and honor Him in all we do? Do we place Him high above us with His Father, and hold Him in great esteem?
“And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!””
Revelation 5:13 ESV
When Jesus reveals in the book of Revelation that only He is worthy to break the seals of the scroll, every living thing will bless, and honor Him, but is He any less worthy of our adoration today, before breaking the seals? His sacrifice showed Him worthy to the heavenly host, and we hear this as thousands upon multiplied thousands of Angels shout...
“saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!””
Revelation 5:12 ESV
As Christians we know this too, so with that being true of Him, then why is it so many of us who profess to believe can move into and out of the sin of the world with such ease, without considering the magnitude of the sacrifice that has been made for them, and with little concern for the worthiness of the Lamb they are dishonoring as they do so? We who bring dishonor upon Christ are no different than those who brought dishonor on God before the Messiah came, and our actions equally cause others to be consumed by sin... a man who tempts a woman into adultery compounds his sin by drawing another soul into that sin with him... or vice versa...
“You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.””
Romans 2:22-24 ESV
Blessing, honoring, and glorifying God, and Jesus Christ are not things we do on occasion, no, they are meant to be just like the Holiness that is attributed to them... always being, and never ceasing! As we look upon our own righteousness we should be able to say that it was who we were yesterday, who we are today, and who we will be tomorrow! If we can do that then Jesus is honored, and we glorify God.
“And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!””
Revelation 4:8 ESV
Are we ready to bring honor to the name of Jesus Christ, and glorify the name of God? Are we prepared to do this all day, and every day?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for revealing to us the worthiness of your Son Jesus Christ, and for making Him the Perfect Lamb of our redemption ; raised from the foundation of creation, wrapped if swaddling cloth, and laid in a manger, then perfected by the direction of your Word, and Hand, in every way. Thank you Holy Father for the defeat of sin, our sin, through His suffering and death. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who deserves our blessings and honor in all things, and to be glorified in everything we say and do. Help us Father to live in righteousness, and honor your Son Jesus just as we honor you. Merciful are you Lord for your plan of redemption, and perfect is Jesus who’s blood has come to wash us clean of sin. Your grace abounds, and though we were sinners, and unworthy, you saw fit to pour it over us from the perfect vessel that is Christ. Praised be your name for our transformation, and hear our worship as your glory finds increase in our righteousness. Find in us the image of your Son Jesus Christ, and in this way see us as worthy of your gift of eternal life, because He abides in us... always!
Rich Forbes