1 Peter 1:18-20 (NIV)
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 forefathers, 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.
As innocent looking as our text appears this morning, it couches one of the most complex concepts in biblical history; which is ‘The lamb of God slain before the foundation of the world’. This seemingly benign statement is powerful beyond comprehension. And we all must labor to understand it’s significance in our lives if we truly want to walk in lockstep with Christ.
Our challenge this morning is unlocking the mystery of the Godhead in view of Christ from Creation to the cross. How is the man Jesus that walked the earth just 2,000 years ago, also the Living Word that the Gospel of John declares was with God at the beginning of time? Are they the same? Jesus’ own testimony betrays his origin when asked was he greater than Abraham. Jesus answers, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am”. And this morning we see a similar theme as Peter places Jesus (the Lamb of God) alongside the Father in the creation of the world.
I will readily admit, at first glance these examples are difficult to comprehend given the limitation of human expression and experience. You see, we are subject to the rules of time, place and space. Our mortal reality boxes us into very small and narrowly defined boundaries. We think, and comprehend everything relative to our own timeline. But God is not subject to time. The God the the ancient past is also the God of the ancient future. He is then, later and now, all at the same time. He has no boundaries or limitations. And this reality boggles the human mind because we have very little to compare it to. Actually, that’s not completely true.
With the advent of social media and video streaming, every time we use it we encounter a phenomenon called ‘latency’. In general terms, latency is a time delay between the cause and the effect of some physical change in a system being observed. Latency is the reason we can’t all join together in singing on conference calls or zoom. There’s a time delay. Each of us has a unique timeline on our equipment. No matter what you do, there will be some delay in the signal you receive from the host sender. Although we all hear the same message, none of us receive it at the same time. You get it on your time. And I get it on my time. Please note, latency is not new or relegated to streaming. Latency has always been with us. Technology just emphasizes it a bit more.
How is latency relevant to our discussion this morning? I’m glad you asked. Because of physical latency, the signal from your phone or tablet may run anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes behind. So, the program or service you are viewing has already taken place before you ever hear it. The information is on its way, even though you aren’t yet aware of its existence. Now let’s talk about spiritual latency.
Because of the absolute sovereignty of God to express anything He wants at anytime He chooses, time, place and space must adhere and adjust to His every command. Not only that, but because all creation is subject to His will and power, the past, present and future must bow to His command. What a Mighty God we serve.
Dear Children of God, are you starting to get it? God spoke the cure for humanity before there was a problem. He created a way of escape before we were ever in bondage. Jesus was our atonement and everlasting covering before the world began. God knew you before you were formed in your mothers womb. So what does this mean? It means that every promise God has ever made to you, me or anyone is already done. Your victory is already won. Your deliverance is already secured. We’re just waiting to receive the signal in our spirits.
God Bless
