The Lamb Who Opens Every Door
A simple key turning in a bright doorway, a quiet picture of how Jesus opens hearts through His finished work.
Devotional Credit: Inspired by Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, “The Key to the Missionary’s Message”
Photo Credit: Image from Unsplash
The center of the gospel is not my story, my experience, or my favorite theme. The heart is Jesus Himself, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Oswald Chambers points our gaze there, away from narrow slices of ministry, and back to the limitless reach of His atoning work. I am grateful for his steady hand on the compass, calling us to keep the message simple and full, the Lamb who removes sin.
Many of us find it easier to share what happened to us, or to camp on one aspect of ministry. Healing has a place. So does spiritual formation and wise counsel. Yet none of those is the key that fits every lock. The cross and the empty tomb, the Person who shed His blood and now lives, this is the message that never runs out and never changes.
The gospel is not bound to any tribe or flag. It is good news for the whole world. The Spirit does not sort people by preference. He unites people to Jesus, and Jesus makes enemies into family. The missionary heart is simply a Christward heart, content to point to the Lamb rather than to oneself.
So today let us soak in this center. Jesus Christ has dealt with sin fully. He welcomes sinners freely. He sends us gladly. We are not carriers of a brand. We are witnesses to a Person who has already done the decisive thing, and who is ready to live His life through us as we yield to Him.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I remind you of what is finished. The blood of Jesus speaks better things. He is the atoning sacrifice for sins, not for a corner of the world, but for the world. I draw people to the Son. I persuade hearts, not with slogans, but with the truth of His cross and His life. The message is simple. Behold the Lamb of God who takes away sin.
I am the One who unites you to the Lord. In Him you died to sin, and in Him you live unto God. You do not carry this message in your own power. I clothe you with power to be a witness. I make you bold with a quiet boldness, steady as a heartbeat, as you rest in the finished work of Jesus.
Do not shrink from the wideness of His mercy. The gospel is the power of God. I send you to people near and far. I open doors. I put words in your mouth that exalt the Son. Speak of Him. Announce what He has done. Invite the weary to come. The Lamb is worthy, and His blood has ransomed people for God from every place.
I keep your message clear. Not your achievements. Not your sorrow. Not your methods. The news is Jesus Christ crucified and risen, reconciling the world to God. You are crucified with Christ. Christ lives in you. As you abide, I bear fruit through you, and the world sees the Savior.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a sturdy house key in your pocket. You can admire the handle, note the grooves, and talk about the keymaker, but the key’s purpose is to turn the lock and open the door. The atoning work of Jesus is the key that opens hearts. Methods, stories, and strategies are like the keychain. Useful, even attractive, but they do not open the door. The Person and work of Jesus do.
Try this today. Suppose a coworker confides that regret keeps them up at night. Instead of leaning on technique or a polished script, rest inwardly in the indwelling Spirit of Jesus, and quietly say, Lord, I trust You to speak Your good news through me in this moment, and then simply share that Jesus has truly dealt with sin, that He welcomes the weary, and that He is alive to make all things new.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that the Lamb has taken away sin, fully and forever. Thank You that in Jesus I am united to Your heart, and that Your Spirit lives in me. Thank You that the gospel is Your power, not mine, and that You have already supplied boldness, wisdom, and love in Christ. I rejoice that today is not about my performance. It is about Your Son. Lead my steps into prepared conversations. Keep my message clear, Jesus crucified and risen. I rest in Your sufficiency and gladly point to Your Son. Amen.
Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section
1 John 2:2. John 1:29. Romans 3:25. Isaiah 53:5-6. Hebrews 9:12-14. 1 Peter 2:24. 2 Corinthians 5:19-21. Colossians 1:19-22. Ephesians 2:13-18. Romans 1:16. Titus 2:11. 1 Timothy 2:5-6. Revelation 5:9-10. Galatians 2:20. Romans 6:6-11. Acts 1:8. Matthew 28:18-20. John 6:37. John 12:32. 1 Corinthians 9:16. Psalm 67:1-2