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Life is in The Blood

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On October 15, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

The second half of the Biblical verse recorded in Genesis 4:10 reads “the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.” Hidden in this personification of the blood of Abel is a treasure that we must not miss  i.e., life is in the blood, irrespective of whether the person is living or dead. Infact, the Bible explicitly states this fact that “life is in the blood” (Genesis 9:4).

Points to ponder:
Abel was led like a lamb by his evil brother Cain (who was under the influence of devil) to slaughter, for Cain talked to Abel and took him to the field where he slew him and then asked if he was Abel’s keeper as in the keeper of sheep (Genesis 4:8-9). The Bible describes Abel as one who is righteous for his sacrifice was accepted (Hebrews 11:4).
Jesus was led as the Lamb to slaughter (Isaiah 53:7) and his innocent blood was shed on the ground at the foot of the Cross of Calvary, but instead of crying out for justice from the ground, it cries out for forgiveness and mercy of God, mediating on behalf of all those who are sinners (Hebrews 12:24; Romans 23). And only by his blood is there remission of sin (Matthew 26:28; Romans 3:25; Hebrews 9:22; Hebrews 10:18) and those who believe in him are made alive Spiritually, being given the gift of the Holy Spirit of God (Acts 2:38) unto all who believe (John 3:16). Jesus said, I am the resurrection and the life and whoever believes in him, shall live though he were dead (John 11:25). In other words, in Jesus Christ, are the dead raised to Spiritual Life, and in his blood is life. Life is in The blood – the Blood of Jesus Christ, the Agnus Dei (the Lamb of God).

The voice of Abel’s blood cried out to God from earth (Hebrews 11:25). The voice of Jesus’ blood continues to cry out to God, for each one us, who are still under the bondage of death. See that you refuse not him that speaks from heaven (Hebrews 12:25) and hear him (Mark 9:7) and believe. Life is only in The Blood of Jesus Christ.

Genesis 4:10 (KJV)
10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.

Genesis 9:4 (KJV)
4 But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat.

Hebrews 12:23-25 (KJV)
23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

Worthy – The Savior’s, Sinner’s and Saint’s position

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On October 30, 2012

In Christian, Reuben

Recently, while listening on the radio, the song “When the stars burn down (Blessing and Honor)” by Philips, Craig & Dean, I started describing to Reuben, our beloved six year old son, that it is highly likely that the song is based on the events that transpire in heaven as described in book the Revelation in the Bible. Revelation chapter 5 records the account of how Jesus, the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei), who took away the sins of the world (John 1:29), was the only one, worthy to open the book that was sealed and in the hands of God who sat on the throne. Jesus takes the book from the hand of God and the 24 elders that sat around him fell down and worshiped him.

Points to ponder:
The Savior’s position before a Holy God is “Worthy; Only He is Worthy” (Revelation 5:9,12).
The sinner’s (our) position before a Holy God is “NOT Worthy” (Genesis 32:10).
And when we believe in the worthiness of Jesus Christ for he has prevailed in being the acceptable sacrifice of God (Hebrews 10:10-12), we are imputed his righteousness (Romans 4:24; James 2:23) and changed from sinners to saints.
The saint’s position before a Holy God is “To Walk Worthy” (Ephesians 4:1).
As saints, we are called to be ambassadors of him (2 Corinthians 5:20), declaring his worthiness and commanded to Walk Worthy of his calling.

Ascribing one’s worth by honoring and giving glory is to worship and we ought to ascribe to Jesus, The Savior, his worth.
In other words, we ought to worship Jesus because we are NOT worthy and only He is Worthy and we can worship him by our walking worthily, in Him (Ephesians 5:8).
Are we?

Revelation 5:1-14 (KJV)
1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

Genesis 32:10 (KJV)
10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; …

Ephesians 4:1-3 (KJV)
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

The Blood of the Lamb :: Conciliatory

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On October 5, 2012

In Christian, The Blood of the Lamb

The word ‘conciliate’ has its roots in Latin and comes from the word ‘conciliāre’ which means ‘to unite or to assemble or to bring together’. It is synonymous with words such as ‘appeasement’ and ‘propitiate’. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines the word ‘concilate’ as ‘to gain (goodwill) by pleasing acts’.

Romans 3:25 affirms that Jesus is the One, God has sent forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood. In other words, the Blood of the Lamb of God conciliates or brings us back to God. When Jesus was born, the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, peace and good will toward men.” (Like 2:14) Colossians 1:20 states that Jesus made peace through the blood of his cross. This establishes that what the angels sang, though it gives men (mankind) a reason to celebrate, it was in fact a death sentence, proclaimed on Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God without blemish. The Blood of Jesus appeased (made peace) and gained the good will of God, reuniting mankind, who was separated from God (in the garden of Eden on account of man’s own disobedience and sin) back with God.

Points to ponder:
Have you believed in Jesus, whom God sent to bring (conciliate) you back to God? The Blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God is conciliatory.
Glory to God in the highest, the Blood of the Lamb, which makes peace and gains God’s good will, be on you and me.

Romans 3:22-26 (KJV)
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation [conciliation] through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Colossians 1:19-23 (KJV)
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

The Blood of the Lamb :: Covering

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On October 4, 2012

In Christian, Reuben, The Blood of the Lamb

Denis Diderot (1713-1784), who is best known for serving as contributor and chief editor of the Encyclopédie was a prominent French Philosopher, art critic and writer, during the 18th century cultural movement (known as Enlightenment or Age of Reason) among the intellectuals in Europe and America. Diderot is quoted to have said “The blood of Jesus can cover a multitude of sins, it seems to me.” Interestingly even though we often hear such a phrase in our churches, the Bible never directly talks about the “Blood of Jesus” as something that covers. However, extrapolating from a few other verses in the Bible, we see that the “Blood of Jesus is a Covering.”

1 Peter 4:8 says, “… Love covers a multitude of sins.”
Proverbs 10:12 affirms “Love covers all sins.”
1 John 1:7 states that if we have fellowship with God, the blood of Jesus his Son, cleanses us from all sins.
John 3:20 informs us that God loved the world so much that he gave us Jesus, his Only begotten son. Jesus is therefore God’s expression and personification of  love and by substituting the word ‘love’ with the Name ‘Jesus’ in the before mentioned verses, we get “… Jesus covers a multitude of sins” and “Jesus covers all sins“. Jesus covers all sins because his blood cleanses all sins. In other words, the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, covers all sins.

James 5:20 reads “.. he who converts a sinner from the error of his ways shall save his soul from death and hide a multitude of sins.”
During the exodus of the Israelites from the land of Egypt, the LORD passed over the houses that had the blood of an unblemished lamb on their doorposts. The blood of the lamb hid the residents and saved them from death. (Exodus 12:13, 23)
Only Jesus can convert a sinner from the error of his ways and save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins, because Salvation is [solely] of the Lord (Jonah 2:9). The Blood of Jesus Christ, the Passover Lamb hides and covers all those who believed in his Name.

Points to ponder:
The Blood of Jesus is a covering. Have you believed in him, for in doing so, your sins shall be hidden from God’s wrath and your soul saved from death. In other words, Are you under the covering of the Blood of the Lamb?

1 Peter 4:8 (KJV)
8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity [love] shall cover the multitude of sins.

James 5:20 (KJV)
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

1 John 1:7-9 (KJV)
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Jonah 2:9 (KJV)
9 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.

The Blood of the Lamb :: Clear and Cleansing

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On October 3, 2012

In Christian, Reuben, The Blood of the Lamb

Wouldn’t you think that if you wash something with blood, it would leave the object being washed stained in red? While reading a book from the Magic School bus series, with our beloved 6 year old Reuben, I was surprised to learn that the actual color of the fluid part of blood is not red (as I thought was the case) but instead it is ‘clear’. The presence of red blood cells gives the red color to blood. Now hold that thought, please.

One of the 2000 timeless classics written and edited by Elisha Albright Hoffman (1839-1929), a Presbyterian Pastor, is the famously sung hymn – ‘Are you washed in the Blood?” which originates from the Scriptural reference in Revelation 7:14 which states.”… and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

We wash our clothes with clean (clear) water,  not water that is dirty (or colored), do we? Now only something that is clear can clean.

With sin man became corrupt and impure. Blood had to be shed for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:22), but not just anyone’s blood. The blood that was to be shed, which would satisfy God’s justice, was that of a Lamb without blemish – in other words clear (of all sin) (Exodus 12:5). Jesus is the Agnus Dei, the Lamb of God, sinless without blemish (Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 2:22) who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29) and his blood cleanses us of all sins (1 John 1:7). Yes, all sin. If you are wondering that your lifestyle has been such, where you are beyond the reach of God’s love and grace, and unpardonable for the sins you have committed in the past, Jesus is saying, “Come let us reason together, though your sins are like scarlet, I will wash them white as snow, though they be like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18). There is absolutely no one, no matter how sinful they have been, that is beyond the reach of the love of God and the cleansing power in his ‘clear’ (pure) blood.

Points to ponder:
The Blood of Jesus is clear and it cleans. Are you washed in the Blood – in the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless – Are they white as Snow? Are you Washed in the Blood of the Lamb (of God)? Are you Washed by the Blood of Jesus Christ?

Matthew 26:28 (KJV)
28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

1 John 1:7-9 (KJV)
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Revelation 7: 14 (KJV)
14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Professional Speaking :: Jesus The Bookkeeper

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On July 26, 2012

In Christian, Professional Speaking

The “book of life” is mentioned eight times in the New Testament, once in the epistle to the Philippian Church (Philippians 4:3) and seven times in Revelation (Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12; 20:15; 21:27; and 22:19). Twice, it is specifically referred to as the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 13:8; and 21:27). Jesus Christ is the Agnus Dei, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). So the book of life belonging to the Lamb is infact Jesus’ book of life. Whosoever’s name is not written in the book of life is cast into the lake of fire, which is second death (Revelation 20:14-15), but those who have believed in Jesus Christ have eternal life (John 3:16), and he that overcomes, because the Son of God, Jesus comes over them, when they believe, will not be hurt by second death and his/her name will not be erased from the book of life (Revelation 3:5); Jesus’ book of life, of which He is The Bookkeeper.

Points to ponder:
When Jesus is The Bookkeeper, there is no possibility of any man cooking the books to gain his salvation by any of his works. Salvation and eternal life (getting your name recorded in the Lamb’s book of life) is only possible when we believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and allow him to be our Lord. Jesus said, rejoice for your names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). Can you rejoice, with Jesus The Bookkeeper? You can, if he has recorded your name in his book. Has he?

Revelation 21:27 (KJV)
27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Luke 10:20 (KJV)
20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Jesus in the NT :: Revelation

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On January 19, 2012

In Christian

The book of Revelation gives us a glimpse of who Jesus is in the  New Testament (N.T).

Written by John, when he was exiled, in the Island of Patmos, this is the only book in the New Testament (N.T.) that is predominantly prophetic, talking about the events that are to happen in the future, from the time it was written.

Revelation 1:1 establishes that this is the revelation of Jesus Christ. The Greek title of this book is Apokalypsis Ioannou (The Revelation of John) while rightfully it should be Apokalypsis Iesou Christou (The Revelation of Jesus Christ). Revelation means “unveiling” or “disclosure” and this book unveils the Lord Jesus Christ.

In chapter 1 we are informed that this Revelation is of Jesus Christ and in chapter 22 we see Jesus as Christ the Lord. Chapters 2 & 3 are the Letters of the Lord to the Churches and in chapter 4 we see the throne of God on which is sitting the MOST HIGH God. Then we see in chapter 5, the entrance of Jesus Christ in a spectacular fashion as the WORTHY LAMB of God who was slain. Chapter 6 also refers to Jesus as the Lamb, but refers to him as the WRATHFUL LAMB. In chapters 7 & 8, the wrath of the Lamb is poured out on all those who are unsealed by God, as the seals are opened and the sealed (144000) are mentioned. In chapter 9, we hear 7 trumpets as 3 woes follows. In chapter 10, a little book is opened and in chapter 11, two witnesses appear, who are killed and then resurrected. Chapter 12 is about Christmas in heaven as the man child is born and chapter 13 introduces the terrible trio or the evil trinity (dragon/Satan, the beast out of the sea (antichrist) and the beast out of the earth (false prophet). Chapter 15 speaks about God’s judgment as bowls of wrath are poured out and in chapter 16 we see that the battle of Armageddon is about to happen when God’s voice climatically proclaims that it is finished (Revelation 16:16) as the victory was already won on the Cross by Jesus Christ. Chapter 17 portray Jesus now as the WARRIOR LAMB who overcomes the antichrist and the false prophet. In chapter 18, we see that the rebellion is quenched which is signified by the fall of Babylon and in chapter 19 we learn that the antichrist and the false prophet are cast  into the lake of fire. Chapter 19 then portrays Jesus as the WEDDING LAMB (Bridegroom) and the Church as his bride. He has a name which is KING of kings and LORD of lords amongst many other names. Chapter 20 consummates in the bondage of Satan (the dragon) for a 1000 years, after which he is loosed for a while and then cast into the lake of fire where the antichrist and the false prophet are. Chapter 21 is about all things made new as we see a new heaven and a new earth and in chapter 22 we hear Jesus saying, “Behold, I come quickly and my reward is with me to give unto each man according to his works”. Chapter 22 ends with the words, Even so, come Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

In Revelation, Jesus Christ is the LAMB OF GOD
– The WORTHY Lamb (Revelation 5:5-9).
– The WRATHFUL Lamb (Revelation 6:16-17).
– The WARRIOR Lamb that overcomes (Revelation 7:14).
– The WEDDING Lamb that weds the Church (Revelation 19:9).
– The King of kings and the Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16) who is returning quickly to make all things new (Revelation 21:1).

Points to ponder:
Are you new? For when you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, you are made a new creation, as the old passes away. Are you ready for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ as KING of kings and LORD of lords?
Can you say now, Even so, Come Lord, Jesus. Are you ready?

God of the mighty

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On May 26, 2011

In Become a Child, Christian, Music Musings, Reuben

While learning the song, Agnus Dei, instead of singing “for the Lord God Almighty reigns”, our beloved 5 year old son, Reuben, kept singing “for the God of the mighty reigns.” My loving wife, Sangeetha attempted to correct him, but while she was doing so, it dawned on me that my son, without realizing was proclaiming another truth from the Holy Bible. God, the Most High is not just the Lord God Almighty, but He is also the God of the mighty.

The Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines the word, “mighty” as someone who is possessing “power.” As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, we are not just a peculiar people, but we are a powerful people, for God did not give unto us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Just as David, a shepherd boy towered over the mighty trained soldier Goliath, with God in us (not just on our side), we are stronger than the strongest and mightier than the mightiest that the world can raise. We are a mighty people and the Most High, who reigns, is our God. For indeed the Lord God Almighty reigns; For indeed the God of the mighty reigns.

1 John 4:4 (KJV)
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

The Symbol of Righteousness!

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On December 17, 2010

In Christian

One of the names of the Lord is Jehovah-tsidkenu. This means the Lord our Righteousness.

Interestingly, the Chinese word yi, which means righteousness is comprised of two characters, one on top of the other. The character yang which means lamb is placed on top of the character wo which means me (or self or I). When the lamb is placed on top of self, righteousness results.

Our righteousness are akin to filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) and so on our own merit, we stand no chance. Thankfully, it is not our righteousness that matters. But praise be to God the Father, who made a provision for us to inherit eternal life. When we place our trust in the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29) we are imputed righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 1:30). When we place our self underneath the Lordship of the Lamb of God, Righteousness (that matters) results.

The Shepherd and The Lamb

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On November 1, 2010

In Christian

I was talking one morning,a  few days ago, with our beloved 4 year old son, Reuben and was telling him about Jesus Christ being the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei), but then as I started to explain to him what it meant to be The Sacrificial Lamb, he quickly stopped me and inquisitively questioned, but isn’t Jesus also the Shepherd? If so how can He be the Lamb and the Shepherd? My loving wife, Sangeetha and I both felt that this was an interesting observation and certainly a good question that warranted some further investigation. Throughout the day I researched, pondered and studied the Holy Bible to see what the Bible has to say about what would seem as a literary incongruity.

Upon research, I learned that Jesus Christ personally claimed to be the Good Shepherd that would lay down His life for His sheep (his people – you and me) (John 10:11). He is also the Chief Shepherd as stated through Apostle Peter (1 Peter 5:4). Jesus Christ was identified as being the Lamb of God by John the Baptist and then we see references in the Bible to Him as the Lamb, but He never personally claimed to be a Lamb. So how can Jesus Christ be the Shepherd and also the Lamb?

It is the responsibility of the shepherd to pick a lamb without blemish for sacrifice, but when God searched through the entire world, to and fro  (2 Chronicles 16:9) He found none that was righteous (Romans 3:10) and so He had to look at Himself. Having found none other than Himself, He had to forsake Himself (Matthew 27:46) for the sake of His people and was identified to be the Lamb of God. He lay down His life on his own accord, as the Good Shepherd is expected to, so that you and I could walk through the valley of the shadow of death and not fear its power.

Behold the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29) and for the taking away (remission) of sins, there needs to be a shedding of blood (a sacrifice) (Hebrews 9:22) and the Good Shepherd willingly shed his blood on the Cross of Calvary and laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:17). Though our finite minds may find it hard to understand, suffice it to say that Jesus Christ is not only the one who chose  the Sacrifice (Shepherd God) but He is also THE SACRIFICE (Lamb of God), because there is no other sacrifice that can atone and satisfy a God of Justice and Love. Jesus Christ is The Shepherd and The Lamb.

John 10:11 (KJV)
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

John 1:29 (KJV)
29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

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