Tuesday, June 30, 2015

The Lamb of God


John 1:29
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

Several weeks ago, my husband, Danny, and I are in Costco to purchase some routine items such as coffee and paper towels.  He decides, since we are already here, to peruse the meat section to see if he can find a bargain on items we usually purchase at our local Publix.  To his surprise, and mine, Danny returns to our cart carrying an item in which we've never once indulged.

"Look at this, Martha!"  Danny declares excitedly.  "It's boneless leg of lamb!  Costs a fortune at Publix, but what a deal I found here."

"You've never cooked one of those before, have you?"  I ask hesitantly, still thinking the lamb is on the pricey side.

"No, but there's a first time for everything," Danny assures me.  "If I do some research on the Internet, I know I can roast this lamb to perfection.  I can't walk away from this.  It's practically a steal!"

So we proceed to the checkout with a new culinary challenge in the offing.  As we head for home, I try to recall anything about the taste of lamb.  I can't.  No memories whatsoever.  I begin to wonder if I've ever tried it.  But when I place the first succulent and aromatic morsel into my mouth, I know I've never had it; I've never tasted anything more delectable and pleasing to the palate.  Chef Danny has, once again, outdone himself!

As I savor each bite of the lamb, I am suddenly made aware of why the lamb, young and sweet and tender, was the sacrifice of choice in the ancient Jewish tradition.  It stands head and shoulders above any other meat one could consume.  And if it so pleasing to man, it stands to reason that people assumed it would be just as pleasing to God.

And I am reminded, too, of the Last Supper.  This is my body . . .This is my blood . . . Do this in remembrance of me.  Jesus, who understood every facet of our human nature, associated His sacrifice for us with our most basic needs:  food and drink.  Physical manifestations of His spiritual grace.  Daily reminders of His presence with us.  That we might share in communion with Him at every meal.

The leg of lamb?  Expensive!

The Lamb of God?  Priceless!

~
Is it your tradition to say a blessing at every meal?

Prayer:  Father, let us give thanks for the nourishment You provide for us, recalling Jesus' Last Supper with His disciples.  Make us ever mindful of Christ's sacrifice for our sins that we might live reconciled to You.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.

19 comments:

  1. Great story! You know, I haven't had a taste of lamb since my mom used to cook lamb chops. But you're right, it was delicious. Nothing better than the Lamb of God, though! Yes, we say grace before we eat. It's so important to know that HE is the author of all good gifts. And without Him, we are nothing...

    GOD BLESS!

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    1. Yes, Sharon, there is nothing like the delicate taste of lamb when it comes to food, but the Lamb of God gives us the true nourishment. And we are, indeed, nothing without Him.
      Love and blessings!

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  2. I love how you find God in even the most mundane things! It is so true that if you seek, you will find. Personally, I have never had lamb...ever, and am intrigued! I love reading your meditations here. They always bring me a bit closer to Him. So thank you!

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    1. Thank you, Kathy, for your too kind words. Oh, if you've never had lamb, make a point of trying it some time. There really is nothing to compare!
      I'm glad my posts bring you closer to the Lord. How that warms my heart!
      Love and blessings!

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  3. I love how you find God in even the most mundane things! It is so true that if you seek, you will find. Personally, I have never had lamb...ever, and am intrigued! I love reading your meditations here. They always bring me a bit closer to Him. So thank you!

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  4. Hi Martha! We do pray before meals at our house. It's nice to have a time to be thankful, and to pray together too.

    Leg of lamb was my grandfather's favorite meal, so when he would come over, my mom would make it. When it cooks, it's so fragrant, isn't it? I really remember having mint jelly with it too. So exotic to a 10 year old girl.

    I'm glad you enjoyed it, and how it reminded you of our Lord.
    Blessings!
    Ceil

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    1. How nice that you grew up knowing that incomparable taste of lamb, Ceil! And you are so right about the aroma as it's cooking - makes my mouth water just remembering it.
      Grace is an important ritual at our house, too; while we should be thankful in all things and at all times, it is important to intentionally take time to ask God for His blessings.
      Love and blessings!

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  5. Martha, what an intriguing post. I love how you connect real life to God's Word. Lamb is something that I've never had but would like to try it some day. I generally try to pray before (and some times during) each meal.

    Love and blessings!

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    1. You know, Kim, I thought when I penned this post that folks would be laughing at the fact I've never had lamb, but I'm gratified to know that there are many out there who haven't tried it! I do my best to find the miracles in the mundane whenever I can.
      Love and blessings!

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  6. Yes we say a prayer of blessing at the table. When our grand daughters came to the table one time they said "do you have to say grace?" I said, "Are you thankful? Are you blessed? do you have gratitude that you have a meal set before you?" they said yes. So then they began to realize we need to praise God for all blessings. (the doxology) I sang to them.

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    1. Oh, I love, love, love how you responded to your granddaughters' question! Sometimes all children need is a further explanation to know why something is important to us and should be to them. I think it's great, too, that you sang the doxology - I'll try that with my granddaughters soon. :)
      Love and blessings!

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  7. Green with envy over here. Cooking is not on my resume. At all. I'm hungry. Think i'll go home and eat.

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    1. LOL, Bill! Hope you had a great meal, my friend.
      Love and blessings!

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  8. Ah! I've had lamb only once - in the UK, Martha and it was highly repeatable. But you're right, it's expensive.
    Love, love that last punch line!

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    1. Glad you liked the last punch line, Corinne! I wasn't sure this whole post would "go over" but it seems I needn't have worried. :)
      Love and blessings!

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  9. It is so touching and inspiring to see your posts Martha, everything and anything leads to Him. That's what I learnt from you :)

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    1. Everything does lead back to God, Privy. And the more we look for him, the more He reveals Himself. He's going to allow us to find us when we play hide-and-seek. :)
      Love and blessings!

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  10. A tasty reflection! I have only had lamb a few times in my life and probably not cooked as good as you had it. What a fun find and good lesson too! Have a blessed holiday weekend, Martha

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    1. Jean, I have to say, it's one of the best meals I've ever had and a great reminder of how God so lusciously provides for us! Hope your weekend was a blessed one, too!
      Love and blessings!

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