Tag: servant

The Lamb

Posted on by Olaf

If you take a long look at this lamb, you will find yourself thinking all sorts of things.  You might be struck by its innocence, its powerlessness or you may wonder about its future.  This lamb has not done anything wrong, it has no defences or weapon and it may end up on someone’s plate as a favoured dish before it ever gets to be a mature sheep. Does it not strike you as extraordinary that the Most Mighty One to walk this planet Earth was called ‘The Lamb of God’? This lamb is associated with meekness not with majesty, with the Will of man rather than the Will of God. To understand why Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is called ‘The Lamb of God’ it’s necessary to consult both the Old Testament and the New – once truly understood never truly forgotten. Why a lamb rather than a sheep? A sheep is reared for its wool but a tender lamb gives its life.

  • ‘Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together’ – Genesis 22:7-8

CONTROL

Posted on by Olaf

Few people like to admit that they have a strong need to be in control, unkindly or perhaps aptly referred to as ‘control freaks’.  Some of the signs are that they often correct or belittle others, find themselves judging people, refuse to admit when they are wrong, sometimes use the silent treatment as emotional blackmail and always need to have the last word.  Whilst this may apply to how they relate to others, ironically they themselves lack self-control over many things including the desire to be in control!  There is also a healthy type of control for otherwise chaos reigns.  Yet if you take control to its unhealthy extent you head into areas of domination and manipulation which indicate personal insecurity.  Those who love power love to use it and to flaunt it as these armour-plated limousines and this fierce Presidential bodyguard demonstrate.

  • ‘I like to control everything, and you cannot control everything. You have to at some point say, ‘I let go and I’m going to let the cards fall where they fall.  For a control freak, it’s hard’ – Naomi Campbell

FOR SUCH A TIME

Posted on by Olaf

History tells the stories of when human civilisation has come under great threat through war, disaster or disease.  Around 1350, an infectious fever killed up to 200 million people.  Rats carrying infected fleas from China and India brought The Black Death resulting in populations being reduced by up to 50% around the world.  It is still around in some parts of the world but using the broad-based antibiotic streptomycin has proven to be dramatically successful against the bubonic plague within 12 hours of infection.  What is the time on the clock for humanity and who might step forward ‘for such a time as this?’