"A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross" (Mark 15:21).  "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" (Revelation 5:12).

In the course of my day I often see livestock either in pastureland or gathered in barns. Yesterday I was visiting a farm where sheep were grazing alongside their lambs. Later in the day I passed a beautiful distant meadow dotted with sheep and lambs. This got me to thinking about the different animals referred to in the Scriptures during the period from Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem to His bodily resurrection. Ponder this time period in the Scriptures and try to make a mental (or even written) list!

One animal that comes to mind right away is the lamb, the Passover lamb, which was sacrificed when Christ joined His disciples for the Passover meal. (See Mark 14:12).  All through the Scriptures the Passover lamb is a type (symbol) of Christ. 

In Isaiah's descriptive prophecy concerning the suffering Messiah he writes in such a way that it seems as though we are bystanders witnessing the horrible slaughter about to take place; "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth" (53:7).

When Jesus began his ministry John declared, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29).  The apostle Paul looked back on the death of Christ and wrote, "Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Among the proclamations made at the throne of God in heaven is the second daily verse, "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"

Ray Boltz, who is probably best known for his song "Thank You", has written a powerful ballad titled, "Watch the Lamb" that deals with this subject from the perspective of Simon, who was forced to carry the Cross for Christ.  (One of the ministry highlights in the church I pastored in New England was the Sunday our young people  shared this song in human video.  They did an outstanding job!) 

"Watch the Lamb" is a song that begins with Simon and his sons entering into Jerusalem on that historical day. As they looked over the crowd that had gathered the father shared with them the spiritually significant background of the Passover celebration and stressed that they were to watch the lamb they'd brought in the city for the sacrifice.

The song conjectures that after Simon finished carrying the cross he stayed at Calvary along with his two sons as they witnessed the crucifixion. In the scuffle and confusion of the crowd the boys had lost the lamb and fearfully told their father. But Simon, after witnessing the death of Christ, came to realize that Jesus Christ was the Lamb of God being slain for the sins of the world.  He then points their attention toward the crucified One and thoughtfully tells his sons, "Watch the Lamb."  It's a song that never ceases to move me every time I listen.

Do you believe that Jesus is the Lamb slain for your sins?  I sure do!  Let us together live this day for the glory of the One who died for us on the Cross.


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily Prayer: Father, though many centuries have passed since Christ hung upon the cross for our sins, we continue to watch the Lamb.  Our focus does not change for no human endeavor or invention of man can supply the answer for our sin problem.  Our spiritual pardon for sin is found only in the Lamb of God who offered Himself to You, Father, as a single sacrifice for our sins, good for all time.  This incredible act of mercy we apply to our hearts and seal to our souls as we yield to Your Spirit who is always at work in our frail bodies. Thank You for the richness of friendship and communion with You as one cleansed and forgiven through the sinless Lamb of God.  Amen.

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Today's suggested music:

"Watch the Lamb" by Ray Boltz (Audio file)

We would have liked to share "Lamb of God" by Twila Paris but couldn't find an online version.

"Salvation Belongs to Our God" audio

In my search for additional music today I came accross this one titled "Lamb of God"   lyrics    audio

Finally here's a classic hymn! "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross" (Audio file)  (Video)

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The name "Rufus" is mentioned by Paul in Romans 16 and many Bible students feel this refers to one of Simon's two boys. 

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