When I think about the cross, I feel so unworthy of the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." The first words spoken by John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin, were the quote in the last sentence. Why did John call Jesus the "Lamb of God?" Jesus came to Earth to fulfill a plan. What was that plan?
In the beginning of time, God created the heavens and the Earth. He created the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all living creatures. He built the mountains, He made the plants, all thins grown by seed, and created a beautiful garden. Then He created man, and man was alone. The first time we see in scripture that God says that something is "NOT good" is when HE says, "It is not good that man should be alone." God created a helper for the man. We all know the story. Adam and Eve ate the fruit that God told them not to eat, and then He casts them out of the Garden of Eden. Man fell and was separated from fellowship with his Father.
The Jews were led out of Egypt by Moses, a man of patient character but with flaws. Moses stuttered, and he made excuses for not doing what God called him to do, but God had a plan. Moses talked to God face to face. How many of us would like to do that? "Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these Thy brethren, you have done it unto me." Moses first saw God in a burning bush. This bush was on fire but was not being consumed by the fire. God can control fire so that the physical structure is purified, but not consumed. Did the plant live after this? I imagine that it flourished.
Joseph was a dreamer, but he had flaws. He told his brothers and family about his dream - BIG mistake! Not to mention the fact that Joseph was "Daddy's favorite little boy" and wore "the Coat" made by the Father's own hand. Most people do NOT approve of favoritism, do you? Yet there are always those who are "chosen by God." Now if they are chosen by God, then God has a plan and HE is faithful to complete the work. Joseph's dreams became reality at the right time.
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Peter, and all the great men of God had flaws, but there was ONE greater watching over them. The Almighty God of Heaven brings fulfillment, not to our plans but to His. God has a plan. When man falls, the Good Shepherd knows where to find the lost sheep. He listens for their cries. When a sheep falls down, he has to have assistance to get back up. Left alone the sheep will die.
God has a plan - imagine that! God knows the end from the beginning. God knew that Adam and Eve would fall and He had a plan to correct their mistake before it was ever created. God sent His Son to die in our place. HE is the "anchor man" that has never lost a race. We always win with Christ!
The Passover was very familiar to the Jews. Every year they would have spring cleaning in preparation for the Passover. All leaven would be removed from the house. The Father would select a young lamb out of his flock. The lamb would live among his family for a short time. For a whole week, the kids would play with the lamb. The lamb would be petted, caressed, held, and played with on a daily basis. On Friday, the lamb was killed for their sin. The blood of an innocent lamb was killed and he did nothing wrong. How cruel!!!
The first words out of the mouth of John the Baptist was "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Jesus was innocent. He was the perfect lamb. He lived among us. Jesus gave His life freely for us, you and me.
Jesus, all for Jesus, all I am and have or ever hope to be. All of my ambitions, hopes, and plans - I'm surrendering into Your hands. Jesus is the fulfiller of the dreams. "God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved." John 3:17
