Laid Out!

Laid Out!

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 KJV

The Context and Charge:

Just like sheep, the first man blazed the trail of sin and set the example of the power, depth and consequence of sin. Like sheep, the first man led and we all followed. Like sheep, we were clueless and helpless, blindly following the first man into wrath. Like sheep, we couldn't help ourselves. This is the dilemma of all men born of woman. As long as my lineage is of man, I inherit the nature of sin. None of us is exempt; it took God breaking the natural cycle of procreation to break the chain of sin. A virgin conceived and had a son. This was the only way the perfect sacrifice for sin could be offered. 

He also, like sheep, was led to the slaughter, and he did not open his mouth. Like sheep, he was quiet before his accusers. He willingly submitted to God's plan, so that we also, like sheep, could enjoy the benefits and blessings of the life secured for us by the Lamb of God. He is called the Lamb of God because only a lamb would not voice an opinion or fight its purpose; the lamb is used throughout the bible as a picture of calm, gentleness and surrender. He became like us so He could save us. He died and rose up again so we also could become like Him. It is such an amazing offer. 

The Contention and Conclusion:

Just as we submitted to sin, so did Jesus submit to God's process for salvation. We went astray, but Jesus looked for and found us, and then brought us back to the Father. He restored us to the life we once had before sin messed us up; He paid in full, once and for all, the price that sin demanded, so that we who were the original sinners and the natural inheritors of the punishment could walk away free from those consequences. However, in those words lie a word of caution: If I then reject all that Jesus has done and given, what is my fate? If I turn my back on the Lamb, who will plead my cause?

This is where I have to be careful. The price was paid once; I only have this present earthly life to decide what I want to do with the price. There is the prize of eternal life given out as a result of the life that was offered as a price. The Lamb He is now; the Lion of Judah will he be to us one day soon. Actually, He is both, but a day comes when judgement and reward are the only things that matter. At that time, repentance and return will be too late. I have the time NOW; today is the day of salvation. I must accept Jesus as that Lord and Saviour today, so I can take hold of eternal life. God's time of favour is here.