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HEREFORE when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. 7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:5-10)
The primitive understanding of the Children of Israel could not have comprehended the profound meaning of that first Passover in Goshen of Egypt, but they did act upon the command of the Lord, for that they understood quite well. In our day, too, there is much wonder in the workings of the Lord that we may not fully comprehend, buy we must obey His Word as good soldiers without hesitation or condition.
That first Passover foreshadowed a greater and final Passover in years to come. The shadow of even that greater Passover was illustrated in the completely innocent animal God had to kill in Eden as a covering for the Nakedness (sins) of Adam and Eve. There are far too many references to the coming Lamb of God to be covered in the scope of this brief devotion; however, I shall attempt to point out a few stark and cardinal utterances of Scripture that have a direct bearing on the Lamb of God that also became His Good Shepherd.
If we are to become leaders, we must first learn to follow. Our Lord Jesus Christ came as the only Begotten Son of God to implicitly keep the trust of the Father in obedience to His Word and Commandment – even so far as Calvary and beyond to the Borrowed Tomb. The issue was not resolved lately at Calvary, but in the Eternity Past when it was decided that our Lord Jesus Christ would be our Lamb of Offering for sin. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:8) This reveals profoundly God knew long before Eden man would need a Savior and Redeemer. Christ became our Tabernacle and our burnt offering required at the very entrance of the Tabernacle not made with hands.
I once read of the revelations of Christ in the Messianic Psalms – the CROSS, the Shepherd’s CANE, and the CROWN – all laid out in the sequence of the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th Psalms.
The 22nd Psalm is divided into two parts – the first part (vs 2 – 21) depict s our Lord’s suffering on the cross; the second part profoundly describes His resurrection glory beginning at the 22nd to the 28th verse. This is His victory over the Cross. (His CROSS of Redemption)
The 23rd Psalm informs us of His role as the Good Shepherd which is mirrored in the Gospel of St. John Chapter 10. Having become the Sacrificial Lamb of God, He now has purchased the sheep of His fold and will lead them through – not only verdant pastures and beside the still waters, but through the Valley of the Shadow of Death through which He Himself first traveled and was victorious. His victory was our victory! He now prepares a place for us in His Kingdom of many Mansions. He anoints the head of His lambs with healing oils, and our cups run over with the pure blessings of His love and mercy. His victory over death and Hell purchased our own estate and privilege to dwell in the House of the Lord Forever. (His Shepherd’s CANE of Lordship)
The 24th Psalm reveals His role as King of Kings and King of Glory. 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. 7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah. (Psalm 24:4-10) (he has become the King and Sovereign over all) These prophecies demonstrate the prescience of God in all knowledge and power.
If Christ is not your King, neither will He be your Savior. If He is not your Redeemer, neither will He be your Lord. Is Christ your own Redeemer, Lord, and King? He must be your all-in-all or else you remain in a lost condition.
