All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.  Whoever has ears, let them hear.

Revelation 13:8, 9

As I think about it, I saw the death of Christ as a sacrificial lamb as something that was prophesied, was accomplished and that is now finished.  It was like an important episode in the ministry of Jesus Christ.  Then I read this revelation, ‘’the Lamb was slain from the creation of the world.”  Really?  That is a central truth and is essential to our faith, yet so difficult to make sense of.

Jesus was born of Joseph and Mary – raised in Nazareth – taught the truth of God and himself – then was crucified, risen and is now in Glory, looking after his followers.

And now this verse – the Lamb was slain from the creation of the world.  In other words, the Lamb is the crucified Lamb always.  Jesus Christ was the Lamb, is the Lamb and will be the Lamb of God!  Forever.  This comes to me as on a level I have never tried to plumb.  Maybe I can not do that now, but I am aware of this fact.  It is essential to believe that Jesus was the Lamb always. I know that is true, I need to rejoice even more in this amazing gift, this revelation.

Suffering is central in the life of Jesus.  If that is true of Him, is it true of me?  As I think of it, that is exactly the case.  I, too, suffer.  Following the Lamb does not mean we do not suffer, It is part of life!  Particularly the life of Christ now.  Lord, Jesus, God’s Lamb and mine, settle me on this eternal truth!