The Story Behind
"The Lamb Won"
Dr. Mrs. Nina Gunter, Director of World Missions for the Church
of the Nazarene told a story about a little church in the former Soviet Union
after the fall of Communism. That former underground church now had permission
to put a sign over the door of their church. What would they paint on it? What
name could they give their tiny church?During a prayer meeting one man spoke
up quietly. "I will paint the sign and bring it here tomorrow."He
returned the next day with the sign. They nailed it above the door for all to
see. It simply read . . .
"The Lamb Won"
When Dr. Gunter finished telling the story, immediately, I knew what
the picture should look like. I knew that in the softness of the lamb's fur
there would be the faces of people who made up the body of Christ, who were
a part of bringing the message of Christ to the world.
After that, it was just work...leg work, mind work, art work.
I gathered snapshots of friends who had participated in short and long term
mission projects. It would be their faces I planned to draw onto the lamb. Next,
I asked a friend if I could take pictures at her lamb farm. She said yes, so
I drove out to the farm and shot 3 or 4 rolls of film of a bunch of very skittish
little lambs.
Next it was off to the photo shop. By now it had been over a month since I had
heard the story. I was intent on getting the drawing done. The message had touched
my heart profoundly and I knew it was a picture that had to be drawn. I dropped
off the film and impatiently waited for the pictures to be developed.
When I went to pick up the developed film I almost passed out
when the clerk said there had been a problem and they could pitch one of the
rolls and give me a replacement or ..." Please, just let me see the pictures.
Then I can decide." What had happened? I could’t stand it. Was God
trying to tell me that this wasn't right, that this wasn't His picture? My hands
were shaking as I pulled the photos out of the package. To my absolute amazement
they had been double exposed: there were people's faces on the lambs. It wasn't’t
a reprimand or anything from God, He did want my attention to be on Him, though
and not on this drawing. And, it was confirmation. Beyond anything people could
do or had done, He won. That’s the story. It’s been several years
now and it still amazes me. The Lamb Won.
I hope you enjoy the web site. Please share any comments by
contacting me through the link below.
God Bless,
Rusty
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Drawing in the Light of Scripture Devotional
Peter’s Real Return
John Chapter 21
It’s almost Pentecost Sunday! Awesome day, right? Can you imagine living with the disciples during those days after seeing Jesus torn apart, hung on a cross, put in a tomb, then He shows up for dinner at your house! I bet it was like living during the creation, but it was your soul that was springing up into new life with every step you took.
Then you have miserable night fishing, and Jesus shows up. Again.
Let’s back up a bit. In the first part of chapter 21 of John, Peter is with several disciples, and for some reason he says: “I’m going out to fish,” (verse 2).
Some guys have it. We were at a church gathering and a church guy was telling about how men were just following him around because of the golf company he worked for. “Wow,” I wondered, “how many would follow him if he told them he worked for Jesus?”
Well, Peter had it. Leadership. Hangin` with the guys, he says, “I’m going out to fish.” He leaves, and 6 men follow him immediately saying “We’ll go with you.” (Vs. 3)
They don’t catch any fish. The next morning Jesus shows up and fills their physical needs, then he asks Peter a very personal question: “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” (Vs. 15)
What’s he talking about, the guys or the fish?
That’s not really a silly question.
Do you remember what Jesus said to Peter and Andrew the first time they met? “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “And I will make you fishers of men.” Matt. 4:19
“Feed my lambs.”
We all recognize this section of scripture as being the reinstating of Peter after his painful denial of Christ just before the crucifixion. Could this also be something more? Could it possibly be Jesus’ way of so gently reminding Peter – I called you to take care of people, not fish. Now is not the time to go back to your old habits. I’ve given you a new goal. “Take care of my sheep.” (Vs 16)
Difficult? Uncomfortable? Not politically correct to correct? Maybe, but read again how kindly, how gently Jesus redirects his child, his disciple, his fisher of men, his shepherd.
Jump ahead, Acts chapter 2. Peter is hangin` with some of his buds again. All heaven breaks loose. You think he’s thinking about going fishing? “Those who accepted his (Peter’s) message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” Acts 2:40. He got the message.
P.S. – Read 1st and 2nd Peter with this “fisherman turned shepherd” in mind. When he says “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1st Peter 5:7), he may be speaking as a fisherman who has had the experience of an empty net in his hand, or as a fisher of men who knows where to go to find the Bread of Life.
Either way, listen.
Thank you all. God bless.
The Lamb Won. Rusty
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