We are approaching a celebrated holiday season. Gifts of every sort are disappearing off the store shelves—the recipients, young or old, anxiously await their arrival. Every gift has a giver, usually a family member or friend. Our kind thoughts are behind each gift. Some gifts require a sacrifice. The greatest of our gifts is not in the amount we spend but a reflection of our thoughtfulness.
As much as we love special people, our words fall short compared to God’s affection for us. God’s love defies all attempts of expression on man’s part. Our thought process needs to be revised. Our actions are a dismal failure. Yet, God looks beyond our attempts of expression and looks at our hearts.
Abel, of long ago, offered the first sacrificial lamb to God, and the Lord accepted his offering.
The Lord wanted Abraham to solidify his devotion to Him. He asked him to offer his “Only son Isaac” (Genesis 22:2) as a sacrifice to Him. While on their way, Isaac asked his dad, “Where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” (22:7). The dad cautiously responded, “God will provide.” Abraham didn’t know how or what the Lord would do, but he knew God could provide the sacrifice.
John the Baptist was fulfilling his mission of preaching repentance. He knew he was preparing the way for the ministry of Jesus, the Messiah. When John saw Jesus approaching, he said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29 NKJV).” Little did John know the magnitude of those words, but God did.
As you think upon this joyous season, reflect upon its significant cost. It required the sacrificial death of the Son of God. He died so that we could have forgiveness of our sins and spend an eternity with Him. You see, Jesus was born to die so we might have eternal life with Him.
