LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT LAMB

1 Peter 1:18-19

 

You know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”

 

“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house . . .”  We all know that famous poem.  But did you ever stop to think what the world was like the night before the first Christmas?  Did you ever consider what life was like in a world without a Savior?  A lot of things were hugely different.  In the next few days we are going to consider a few of those things.

 

When God was explaining the way the sacrifice was to be carried out He gave the people this stern warning: “You must present a male without defect from the cattle, sheep or goats in order that it may be accepted on your behalf.  Do not bring anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted . . .”  You know what? You can’t find ANYTHING in this world that is without defect or blemish.  Even the best you can do and the most perfect thing you can find falls short.  As Isaiah wrote, even your “righteous acts” are really nothing but filthy rags (Isa. 64:6).  The works of your hands, the product of your labor, your best intentions, and your greatest efforts, your most prized possessions are all inadequate to atone for your sin. 

 

On the night before Christmas there was no way for anyone to please or appease God!  That night, as the night before that, and every night going back to the days of Adam, was cloaked in hopelessness . . . but on the night when Jesus was born, the light began to shine.  Where there was no way, God had made a way. 

 

Jesus was born in the ordinary manner, He consisted of the same flesh as you and me, he suffered the same hardships, He was full of life and joy, He was admired and He was ridiculed, He was followed and He was jeered; but He was always obedient to God the Father.  He was holy and righteous.  He was just and true.  He was pure in spirit and He was full of grace.  He was without defect.  He was the perfect Lamb.

 

Good news!  Christmas changed it all.    

 

--- Pastor Keith Andrews