Topical Encyclopedia The imagery of the lamb is a profound and recurring symbol throughout the Bible, representing purity, sacrifice, and patience. The lamb is often associated with Jesus Christ, who is depicted as the "Lamb of God" in the New Testament. This entry explores the theme of patience as it relates to the lamb, drawing from various scriptural references.Old Testament Foundations The concept of the lamb as a patient creature is rooted in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. In Exodus 12, the Passover lamb is described as a year-old male without defect, symbolizing innocence and submission. The lamb was to be kept until the fourteenth day of the month, during which time it was to be cared for by the household, highlighting its vulnerability and the patience required in its preparation for sacrifice. Isaiah 53:7 provides a prophetic vision of the suffering servant, who is likened to a lamb: "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." This passage underscores the patience and silent endurance of the lamb, foreshadowing the Messiah's own patient suffering. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the patience of the lamb is fully realized in the person of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). This title encapsulates the sacrificial role of Christ, who patiently endures suffering for the redemption of humanity. The Book of Revelation further emphasizes the patience of the Lamb. Revelation 5:6 describes a vision of the Lamb standing as though it had been slain, possessing seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. The Lamb's presence in the heavenly throne room signifies His patient and enduring authority over creation. In Revelation 14:1-5, the Lamb is depicted with the 144,000 who have His name and His Father's name written on their foreheads. These followers are described as those who "follow the Lamb wherever He goes" (Revelation 14:4), illustrating the patience and perseverance required to remain faithful amidst trials. Theological Implications The patience of the Lamb is a model for Christian conduct. Believers are called to emulate the patience of Christ, who endured suffering without retaliation or complaint. The Apostle Peter writes, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps" (1 Peter 2:21). This call to patience is a central tenet of Christian discipleship, encouraging believers to bear trials with grace and steadfastness. The patience of the Lamb also serves as a reminder of God's long-suffering nature. In 2 Peter 3:9 , it is written, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." The Lamb's patience reflects the divine patience of God, who desires the salvation of all. In summary, the image of the Lamb as patient is a powerful symbol of Christ's sacrificial love and endurance. It calls believers to a life of patient faithfulness, mirroring the Lamb's example in their own journey of faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 53:7He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opens not his mouth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Crucifixion The Patient Teacher, and the Slow Scholars Of the Cross, and Other Tortures of Jesus, and of the Figure of ... John Wesley's Translations from the German He Shall not Keep Silent. The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New Whitsuntide the Spirit of Wisdom, Love, and Joy. Christ's Humility Our Salvation. Eighteenth Day. Patience. The Glory and Honor that Jesus Has Won Resources What is the marriage supper of the Lamb? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of Agnus Dei? | GotQuestions.org What are the seven seals of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Lamb: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lamb: Not to be Seethed (Boiled) in Its own Mother's Milk The Lamb of Any Thing Dear or Cherished The Lamb of Christ As a Sacrifice The Lamb: (Among Wolves) of Ministers Among the Ungodly The Lamb: (Brought to Slaughter) of the Wicked Under Judgments The Lamb: (Consumed in Sacrifice) of Complete Destruction of The The Lamb: (Deserted and Exposed) of Israel Deprived of God's The Lamb: (Patience of) the Patience of Christ The Lamb: An Extensive Commerce In The Lamb: Considered a Great Delicacy The Lamb: Covenants Confirmed by Gift of The Lamb: Exposed to Danger from Wild Beasts The Lamb: Numbers of, Given by Josiah to the People for Sacrifice The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice by the Wicked not Accepted The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: At a Year Old The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: At the Passover The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: Every Morning and Evening The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: Females The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: from the Earliest Times The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: Males The Lamb: Offered in Sacrifice: While Sucking The Lamb: The First Born of an Donkey to be Redeemed With The Lamb: The Image of, Was the First Impression of on Money The Lamb: The Shepherd's Care For The Lamb: The Young of the Flock The Lamb: Tribute often Paid In Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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