Image by Cailin Valente
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!
A lamb… why a lamb, Lord?
This is the question that keeps rolling around my mind as I prepare this reflection. (Almost to the demise of my ability to write it.) It is just such an incredible image.
The God of the universe – powerful, all knowing, omnipotent – not only died willingly, but also chose to be represented symbolically as a lamb –meek, simple, vulnerable. I know that it has to do with the temple offerings of the Jews and Pentecost – a beautiful fulfillment of the Old Testament – but, why not a magnificent lion or beastly bear heroically laying down His life?
How many times do I make sacrifices like a magnificent lion or beastly bear? How many times do I complain about an offering or fast? How many times do I “offer it up” in dramatic fashion? Oh, waaay too many.
In contrast, how many times do I make sacrifices silently and without complaint – as a meek, simple, and vulnerable lamb? Oh, waaay too little.
Christ is calling us to be little on our walk. To give humbly and freely.
Today, I challenge you to reflect on all of those times you’ve made little (and sometimes large) sacrifices. Do you offer them as a language of love to our Creator or as a showpiece on your resume of good deeds?
Be honest with yourself, and ask the Lord to respond to you honestly with His love and mercy.
