Our forefathers in the Old Testament were given by God the blood of bulls and goats as the atoning sacrifice for their sins, to purify the flesh. Once a year the high priest would take the blood of the lamb of atonement into the Holy of Holies and put it on the mercy seat that sat above the ark of the covenant. The sins of the people were laid on the lamb and it suffered death in their place. These sacrifices had to be offered regularly because they weren’t sufficient. They were place-holders until the true Lamb of God came into the world, not bearing the flesh of animals but the flesh of sinners. In the fullness of time, the Lord Jesus Christ, God in human flesh, was anointed our Great High Priest to offer the one sacrifice that would finally be sufficient to pay for the sins of the world – Himself. He, the true Isaac, bore the wood of the cross up Mt. Golgotha to be slaughtered under the wrath of His Father against our sin. Silently and willingly he endured hatred and blasphemy and betrayal so that He could be held accountable for them and open to sinners the way to everlasting life. No more sacrifice is needed. All that remains is for us to hear and believe this glorious good news and receive in faith the fruits of His sacrifice – the Body and Blood given to us under bread and wine in Holy Communion. This Body and Blood, which stand eternally before the throne of God proclaiming our redemption, purify our consciences from dead works to serve the living God. All praise, honor, glory, and might be to God and to the Lamb who sits on the throne now and forever! I look forward to seeing you this coming Lord’s Day.
Pastor Ulmer