John 1:29
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’”
Years ago I heard of a missionary who was ministering in Eskimo villages along the Bering Sea. On one occasion he was sharing the Gospel using the Scripture I have chosen for today. The response from the people was blank and empty. He knew something was missing, so he decided to pray more earnestly about it.
The next day he spoke with one of the elders and asked him why the people acted so confused about this scripture passage. The elder scratched his head and replied, “We do not understand what the word ‘Lamb’ means. Please explain to us.”
The next time the people gathered to hear the Word of God, the missionary read John 1:29, but with a difference: “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Baby Seal of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” He knew he had found his answer. He explained to the group that Jesus was as innocent as a baby seal. Jesus never used His divine power, but allowed Himself to die so men, women, boys and girls could have their sins taken away and be prepared for heaven.
That missionary’s creative application of God’s Word reached into a culture of ice and snow to reveal that Jesus died for them. Many of the people repented of their sins and accepted Jesus into their hearts as their Savior. Praise the Lord for His tender mercy!
May God richly bless you by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil