December 18 – The Willing Sacrifice of the Redeemer

“Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do Thy will, O God.” Hebrews 10:7 (KJV)

Long ago, the children of Israel were instructed to bring a special offering on behalf of the entire congregation to cleanse it from ceremonial impurity. This offering involved a red heifer, symbolizing the perfect sacrifice that would redeem from the defilement of sin. It was an occasional sacrifice intended to purify those who, by necessity or accident, had come into contact with death. All who touched any form of death were considered ceremonially unclean. In this way, they were to be deeply impressed with the truth that death entered the world as a result of sin, and thus represented sin itself. Whether through a young bull, an ark, or a brazen serpent, all these pointed persistently to the one great offering—the sacrifice of the Messiah.

The red heifer had to be without blemish, without defect, and never yoked, once again representing Christ. The Son of God came willingly to accomplish the atonement. There was no external compulsion upon Him, for He stood above all law, entirely free. Heavenly beings, though intelligent messengers of the Almighty, were under obligation, and no personal sacrifice of theirs could atone for fallen humanity. Only Christ, who was not bound by the demands of the law as created beings are, could assume the task of redeeming the sinful race.

He could have remained at the Father’s side, robed in splendor and crowned with glory. Yet He chose to exchange the wealth, honor, and majesty of Heaven for the poverty and trials of humanity. He surrendered a commanding position for the loneliness of Gethsemane and the shame and agony of Calvary.

Today, the wounded hands, the pierced side, and the nail-scarred feet still plead before the throne on behalf of fallen humanity, a race He redeemed at an immeasurable cost. Oh, what marvelous condescension! Neither the passage of time nor the unfolding of events can lessen the power and efficacy of His atoning sacrifice.