The ram. What a tricky customer.
You don’t want to get on the wrong side of a ram. That creature has some horns on him that will have no problem rendering a very aggressive response to upset or irritation.
The smart folks, however, have sussed where the strength of the ram can be seen. It’s right in those horns. Where you and I are advised not to go head-first into something, that’s usually the first port of call for Mr Ram. Don’t get it twisted (even if the horns appear that way), there’s power in those legs and a force to charge, so it’s not all about those horns. But you definitely feel those horns as the expression of that creature’s strength.
So when an old man and his only son go up a mountain for a spot of sacrificing, it’s handy that when the old man’s first choice of sacrifice is turned down, that they spot a ram in a bush. It’s all the more useful to see that the point of strength for that ram happens to be disabled, because he’s got himself stuck in the thicket. The ram is then put up as the sacrifice and the old man and his son return – mission accomplished.
Many hundred of years later, on a hill, the lamb of God was slain. He gave up His strength. The sin of the world was put on him. He laid down His life. Three days later, the lamb rose triumphantly from the grave, defeating death. The defeat of death only came as He gave up his strength.
Now the opportunity is open for us today to receive forgiveness of sins and live abundantly. That requires us to give up living in our own strength. That requires us to give up our strength and look to the risen lamb to receive not just forgiveness, but life that comes through Him who defeated death.
That’s the offer, to really enjoy life is to give up our strength and live by His power. That’s the only way we are ever truly strong. It takes much to do it because we’re surrounded by so much that tells us to keep on going in our own strength. We’re surrounded by so much that gives the impression that success is only found in our own strength. That which surrounds us though, are merely mirages and illusions. That which surrounds us succumbs to death without hope.
This is why the offer is extended to us. Why continue to live on a trail to a hopeless end. Why expend that energy, power and vitality we think we have on something that is ultimately futile? Why do that, when there is a much better option on offer? Give it up and receive what’s freely offered.
That’s what’s on offer anyway. No need to ram it down your throat.
(Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 