Once And For All - Devotion for August 18

As I mentioned last week, we have been studying Hebrews this summer. The theme word for Hebrews is “better.” Jesus was a better high priest, a better mediator for a better covenant, and a better sacrifice. But he wasn’t just a better sacrifice, he was the perfect and final sacrifice. Hebrews reminds us that Christ did not have to be sacrificed again and again, as if his death were insufficient. One and done!

Peter also has something to say about this:

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake” (1 Peter 1:18-20).

That’s almost too big for us to wrap our minds around. Before the first star lit up the night sky, before the first bird sang in the morning, before Adam ever drew his first breath—God had already determined that Jesus, the Lamb of God, would give his life for the world.

This painting helps us feel this truth in a different way. The lamb lies meekly on the altar, halo glowing, surrounded by tall candlesticks. The altar is covered in rich red fabric patterned with vines, like a reminder that his blood brings life. It’s a striking picture, and it invites us to pause.

About the painting: In 1459, the Medici family asked artist Benozzo Gozzoli to paint the walls of the Magi Chapel in Florence. One of his most moving frescoes, The Mystic Lamb, draws its imagery from the book of Revelation, where the number seven used throughout the book, is symbolic of perfection, fulfillment, and divine completeness. A snow-white lamb, crowned with the halo of Christ, rests upon an altar before seven golden candlesticks. Beneath it hang seven red seals, while the altar is draped in a rich cloth patterned with pomegranates—symbols of resurrection and eternal life.

Christina Rossetti, the great poet, once wrote these lines as a prayer:

“My faith burns low, my hope burns low…my heart’s desire cries out…to Thee.”

Her words capture something we may all feel: our faith is weak, our hope falters, our love runs dry. But when we look to Jesus, the Lamb of God, our weak response is met by his perfect love.

Think about how different this is from the way the world trains us to react. Most of us are used to thinking, I’ve got to try harder. I’ve got to prove myself. I’ve got to do better. 

But the gospel doesn’t call us to try harder; it calls us to trust deeper. Our salvation doesn’t rest on our ability to muster up more faith—it rests on the Lamb who gave himself for us.

That’s why Hebrews says his sacrifice was once for all. That’s why Peter says this was God’s plan before the foundation of the world. This is not shaky ground we’re standing on. It’s rock solid. And here’s the hope: because the grave could not hold him, it will never be able to hold us either. Thanks be to God!

Featured art: Benozzo Gozzoli, The Mystic Lamb, 1459-60, Palazzo Medici Riccardi Chapel, Florence, Italy