My husband and I have just returned from a trip to Oklahoma. While we were there we had the most awesome experience. We went to Harrah, OK to see an exhibit called, Messiah’s Mansion. It was a life sized replica of the Holy Temple in which you can read about in the Old Testament.
We arrived just as they opened it up for guided tours. I am not an Old Testament scholar, though I do really enjoy reading the history of the Old Testament and the truths that are revealed to us this day from God’s Word. As our tour began we were led into a tent where a small scaled sized of the temple was on display. It was there we were told of its origin and all the statistical facts about it. From there we followed the guide to the temple gate, or tent entrance. To remind you, this is a life sized Old Testament Temple and accurately built to the specs of the original temple in the book of Exodus.
I have often heard how the layout of the temple reflects the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus gave us by His own life; but it was here I was enlightened even more so by the truth of the scriptures and the fulfillment of God’s plan.
After the tour was over, I was even more convinced that there is no way I can redeem myself from the death of the law in regard to my sin. That even as it was necessary in the Old Testament days to bring a sin offering, (often an unblemished lamb) to the temple so that the blood that was shed on the altar would eradicate all sin, bringing redemption to man; it is necessary in these days to still seek redemption. Many seek their redemption by conducting good deeds, giving to the poor, knocking on doors to share the good news, etc. Unfortunately in the end it will be too late when the Father asks, “What did you do with My Son?” You see the answer is not what I can do for Christ, but what He can do through me!
As Easter approaches I am persuaded that Christ in all His glory came to earth, lived a holy life, and as the Lamb of God was crucified and now sits at the right hand of the Father. I know His voice and I know His Word. I stand amazed at His compassion to use a wretched one as myself to bring forth His message, to share the truth, to lead others to the narrow path. For He alone is our propitiation, our sin offering spilled out in that we might gain salvation.
“Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.”
(Galatians 1: 3-4)
As we draw near to the day in which we celebrate Christ’s resurrection, let us not forget that His ultimate victory was when he died for our sin, and for all the sins of this world. That is the hour of victory and pointing to this one holy sacrifice may we celebrate in His resurrection as we know one day we will be raised with Him and changed forever. My friends I beseech you, take a moment to behold the Lamb of God!
