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PART II
LIFE IN EXILE
CHAPTER 3
The Spirit of Jesus Christ the Lamb
The Apostle John recorded the beautiful witness of John the Baptist for the Lord - “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” and “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The Old Testament uses the lamb to symbolize Jesus Christ (Ex. 12, for instance). Regarding the Lord’s work of salvation on the Cross, the great prophet Isaiah described in Chapter 53, “He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth” (Isa. 53:7). The Lord’s prophets were also “like a docile lamb brought to the slaughter” (Jer. 11:19). The Lord’s faithful servants are the triumphant ones “who followed the Lamb wherever He goes” (Rev. 14:4).
While on earth, Christ manifested and lived out the spirit of the Lamb. As for us, we look to the working of God’s grace to gradually cultivate the spirit of the Lamb in us – or, as described by ancient saints, “to help us exercise the spirit of the Lamb in all we do.” This is a valuable life-long lesson of learning, by God’s grace, to be humble, meek, patient, forgiving, harmless, loving and gracious. The Lord manifested the spirit of the Lamb not only in Gethsemane and in Calvary but also throughout His short life on earth. It was only towards Satan and the principality of darkness that He was like the Lion of Judah, conquering again and again (Rev. 5:5).
The Apostle John also wrote about the glory that follows the slaughter, resurrection and ascension of the Lamb – the Lamb was worshipped by all the creatures until He reached the New Jerusalem of eternity (Rev. 5:1-4; 7,8). The Bible says, “The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple … the throne of God and the Lamb shall be in it” (Rev. 21:22; 22:3). This throne lasts forever – how amazing! The God on the throne is dignified, awesome, mighty, powerful, holy, righteous and glorious. In addition, on the throne of the New Jerusalem, there is a docile and humble Lamb! How glorious! The spirit of the Lamb is eternal. The spirit of the Lamb is also the symbol of a victor.
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