The other night I decided to make some Irish Stew. Some may call it mutton stew, but personally, I like the sound of Irish stew better. This beloved dish, rich in history and flavor, offers a warm embrace on chilly evenings. For those of you who may be asking, “what in the world is that?” it’s a yummy lamb stew that combines hearty vegetables and tender meat in a fragrant broth. I had never had lamb meat before, so this was not just a culinary experiment but rather an adventure into uncharted territory, which ultimately turned into a spiritual revelation. How? I am so glad you asked. If you have never cooked with lamb meat or even if you have, I discovered that while it’s super tender, it’s also a super bloody meat. I know it sounds gross, but bear with me on this. As I was cutting the meat up into bite-size chunks, my hands became covered by the blood in the fresh meat. It was thick and sticky, clinging to my hands and fingers. With each slice, I found myself reflecting on the journey of this meat—from the fields where the lamb had grazed to my kitchen counter. It was then it hit me straight in my heart, this blood is the blood that was chosen by God as an atonement for sin. The connection felt profound, awakening a sense of reverence in me as I prepared the stew, reminding me that every ingredient has its story, each bite carries a narrative that transcends mere sustenance.
In Exodus 12, the night God told Moses He was sending the Death plague throughout Egypt, He instructed Moses to have each household to butcher a male lamb, less than a year old and without blemish. God gave Moses very specific directions on how to prepare the meat, what to prepare with it, and how the meal should be eaten. He told Moses to have them sprinkle the blood of the lamb over the door frame of the home where they would eat the meal. The Lord told Moses He would Passover any house that has the lamb’s blood on the door, but He was going to strike down the first born of both people and animals that night liberating them from Egyptian rule and freeing His people just like He promised. This first Passover was a foreshadowing for the Ultimate Passover. The Passover when the Perfect Lamb of God was sacrificed upon a rugged Cross. The final payment for the sin of the world, His Only Son, freeing anyone who believes in Him for eternal life.
I learned during my cooking experiment that lamb’s blood feels thicker and stickier than the blood of other animal meat that I have encountered while cooking. This, albeit gross, thought led me to a wonderful spiritual encounter with the Lamb of God, a moment that illuminated the profound connections between the physical and the divine. I then saw the parallel between my soon to be dinner and the Blood that covers my life, a vivid reminder of sacrifice and redemption. Lamb’s blood coats, covers, and clings to the surface in a way that seems almost intentional, as if it were designed to leave a mark. The animal blood does not wash away easily; it clings tenaciously, just as our struggles and sins can cling to us despite our best efforts to shed them. It took a lot of effort for me to get my hands clean after that experience, illustrating the deep complexity of purification and the human condition. It was then I realized that God chose the blood of a Lamb for this very reason, understanding that such blood would serve as a powerful metaphor for His love and grace. It coats, covers, and clings to the surface of my heart, offering both protection and a reminder of my need for divine intervention. Unlike the animal’s blood, the Blood of the Lamb that coats, covers, and clings to my life will never wash away, nor will it fail to provide a sense of security and hope. It envelops me so completely that I find solace in the knowledge that Death will Passover me, granting eternal life that is not just a promise but a reality for anyone willing to embrace it. This truth, this assurance, is offered to you if you choose to believe in the sacrificial Blood of God’s Perfect Lamb, a gift that transcends time and human understanding, forever transforming our lives in extraordinary ways.
I am so very thankful for the gentle, profound reminder on a cold January evening that my sins are covered and my debt is paid. In this moment of clarity, I realized that I no longer need to fear death, as it is not the end but merely a transition into an eternal existence filled with peace and joy. The anxieties that once haunted me—guilt, shame, and the fear of separation from a Perfect, Loving God—have dissipated, replaced by the comforting assurance of His grace. I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose and hope, deeply understanding that I am unconditionally loved. My sincere prayer is that if you have not yet allowed the Blood of the Lamb to cover your sins and free you so completely, you will one day encounter the Lamb of God. May you recognize the transformative power of His sacrifice, allowing His Blood to coat, cover, and cling to you, so you may fully accept His Grace and embrace the promise of eternal life, where we can dwell in His presence forever.