[APRIL 22] Like a Lamb

Read: John 15:9-17

"He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before it shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth."

--Isaiah 53:7

In 1602, Italian artist Caravaggio produced a painting called Taking of Christ. This work, an early example of the Baroque style, is compelling. Created in dark hues, it allows the viewer to contemplate Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. Two main elements of the scene depicted in the painting demand the observer's attention. The first if Judas as he delivers the traitor's kiss. Immediately, however, the viewer's focus is drawn toward Jesus' hands, which are passively clasped together to show that He offered no resistance to this injustice. Although He possessed the power to create a universe, Christ gave Himself up voluntarily to His captors and to the waiting cross.

Long before this scene took place, Jesus told His listeners that no one could take His life from Him--He would lay it down willingly (John 10:18). This heart of voluntary surrender was propheseid by Isaiah, who wrote, " He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened His  mouth (Isa.53:7).

Christ's lamblike self-sacrifice is a grand indicator of His powerful love. "Greater love has no one than this," He explained, "than to lay down one's life for his friends" (John 15:13). Think of it. Jesus loved you that much! --Bill Crowder

Love sent the Savior to die in my stead.

Why should He love me so?

Meekly to Calvary's cross He was led.

Why should He love me so? --Harkness

REFLECT ON THIS:

The nail-pierced hands of Jesus reveal the love-filled heat of God.

[MARCH 1] The Fairest

Read: Revelation 5:8-14

"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!" 

--Revelation 5:12

When I first became a Christian and started attending church at age 19, I immediately fell in love with singing the great hymns of the faith. My heart overflowed with joy and thanksgiving as we sang of God’s love for us in Christ. Soon one of my favorite hymns (from the late 1600s) became “Fairest Lord Jesus!” I love the simplicity of the melody and the awesomeness of the One exalted in these words:

Fair is the sunshine,
fairer still the moonlight,
and all the twinkling starry host: Jesus shines brighter,
Jesus shines purer than all the angels heaven can boast.
Beautiful Savior!
Lord of the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration
now and forevermore be Thine!

God’s Son, whom we sing about in this song, came to this earth, lived a perfect life, and gave Himself for us on the cross (Luke 23:33). He arose from the grave (Luke 24:6) and is now seated at God’s right hand (Heb. 1:3). One day we’ll join in worship with thousands upon thousands and say: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Rev. 5:13). Maybe we’ll sing “Fairest Lord Jesus!” too.

Until then, let’s allow Jesus to be “the fairest” above all in our personal lives by seeking wisdom from His Word and following in His ways. --Anne Cetas

REFLECT ON THIS:

We can never praise Jesus too much.

[FEBRUARY 2] Reunion Dinner

Read: Revelation 19:1-9

"Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!"

--Revelation 19:9

Many Chinese go to great lengths to attend a traditional annual reunion dinner with their families. Held on the eve of the Lunar New Year, the reunion dinner usually takes place at the home of their parents or eldest sibling.

Chinese working overseas have to arrange their travel bookings early to ensure they have tickets for the heavily booked airline flights and bus journeys. To fail to book early is to risk missing out on the family reunion.

The Bible tells of an even more important reunion dinner in heaven. Revelation 19:9 calls "the marriage supper of the Lamb." Unlike the Lunar New Year reunion dinner, however, no one knows the date for this event except God (Matt. 24:36). Nor do we have to worry about making travel arrangements.

Who is invited to this heavenly reunion dinner? All those who belong to God's family will be there, "those who believe in [Jesus] name: who were born,not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12-13). 

Will you be at the reunion dinner in heaven? You can secure your place at the heavenly banquet by trusting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today. --C.P. Hia

How Can You Have The Assurance of Heaven?

Recognize your sinfulness (Rom.3:23); 

believe Jesus died for you (Acts 16:31); 

receive Him as Savior (John 1:12); 

trust His promise (John 20:31)

REFLECT ON THIS:

Christ believed is salvation received and heaven assured