Online Devotions: lamb of God

Friday, December 23, 2016

A Lion At Christmas

December 25 (Revelation 5:5)

Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered…. (ESV)

Many of us will see nativity sets under our trees today or on tables amid candles and cards. Often those sets will have a sheep or two, for the shepherds were there to welcome their Lord as a baby. The sheep are also a reminder of the gentle love of our Savior, Who is the Lamb of God.

Yet this Lamb is also a lion, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, spoken of in the last book of the Bible as the One Who has conquered. And what has He conquered? He has conquered everything…sin, death, separation from God…and every other ill that has sprung from the attempts of Satan to bring harm to God’s creation.

So what are you waiting for? Laugh, celebrate, and sing loudly for joy! Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king! Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing!

Lord, I am so grateful to You this Christmas Day! The gift not only of eternal life is mine through Jesus, but the gift of life to the full, as it was meant to be, with You. Glory be Yours this day, Lord, from the depths of my heart and in all I say and do. Amen.

Sunday, December 18, 2016

The Lamb of God

December 18 (John 1:29)

Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (ESV)

It is the central truth of the world. Earth was visited by One not of this planet, yet this planet was of Him. In fact, Earth is not only of Him; it is His. And He did not come for sightseeing. He came to redeem and to claim. He came to take away the sin of the world.

If that is not the focus of our minds and hearts, our calendars and checkbooks, at this time of year, then we have let department stores and popular media shape our lives more than God. Incredibly, God will let that happen. The image of Jesus as a lamb has a twofold reminder for us. He is the perfect sacrifice to take away our sin, but He is also humble and gentle. He will not force the gift of His love and grace on anyone. It is free to all, but He will not make us take it.

This week leading to Christmas will be full…full of last-minute tasks to complete and things to buy, houses to clean, food to prepare, emails and texts to make travel arrangements, excitement and anticipation about being with family and friends. These are the moments to savor and with which we make the memories that form the beautiful tapestry of our lives. Yet in our thoughts, our prayers, and our conversations, we do well to remember that this baby came to die for us. We owe Him absolutely everything.

Jesus, You are my all and all. You knew me before I was born. You loved me, Your creation, enough to be born a helpless baby and to die for me. Your love has continued my whole life, in moments I could see and in times I could not. May You be honored this Christmas not by my decorations, but by my faithful obedience to You. Amen.

History of Online Devotions

In January of 1999, I began the Online Devotions with the teens of the church we were attending. Each week they would receive a verse of Scripture, a short reflection, and a prayer. Over the years others subscribed to this email list, and soon the Online Devotions were going out to people across the country and beyond.

In 2007 I published in book format a collection called Desert Days: Forty Devotions for Men.

After suggestions from several readers, I launched in 2010 the Online Devotions blog. Devotions are still available each week by email, and if you would like to subscribe, please indicate so in the comment box.

As I have always said, if one of these devotions touches you, you can be sure it was from God. If one leaves you flat, then there was too much of me in it.