BBQ + Egypt = ?

BBQ + Egypt = ?

It's been all over my Instagram feed lately. 

There is a relatively new Texas BBQ (think smoked meats) pitmaster on the 'scene' these days who is from, of all places, Egypt. Egypt is not known for rich, slow-cooked, smoked meats. And Texas BBQ is not known for bright Middle Eastern flavours. This interesting combination is now proving intriguing to many. 

One of the things that has been most fascinating to me as I've viewed several posts and video clips has been the use of lamb. Not typical at all in BBQ. But it seems to be captivating and maybe revolutionary (in the BBQ world). 

It's interesting when lamb shows up when it's not expected. Yes, perhaps it is indeed captivating and revolutionary. 

This past Sunday we gave our attention to Revelation chapter 4. John's writing tells us to prepare to behold a Lion, only to instead behold a Lamb. 

A little lamb. 
A little lamb that had been slaughtered. 

And this is how God triumphed. 

Not at all what anyone in the world expected. 

Did the fact that Jesus was a lamb influence how He lived on Earth? Does the fact that Jesus is a lamb influence how we live on Earth today? 

I think you're saying 'yes'. 

Let's consider for a moment some of the things we know about Jesus and our call to follow 'the way of the Lamb' in our lives here right now: 

The Lamb is little! John, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, opts to use a secondary Greek word for lamb that best translates into "little lamb." So little it could almost seem feeble. This is God? Did Jesus live and lead and serve like a little lamb when He walked the Earth? Did Jesus turn the other cheek? Or did Jesus storm cities to protest and demand His rights? Or did Jesus absorb the pain and offense of others into Himself? Did Jesus lay down His life? 

The Lamb triumphed! Revelation 4 boasts that Jesus is the victor! Does He win the way the world around us wins? Does He win the way people win in culture, business, and politics? How did the Lamb triumph? By being a Lion? By force and intimidation? By hurting? By killing? No, by forgiveness. By a cross. 

Is this a bit disturbing? Shocking?

The Lamb was a shock to the Jewish world of Jesus' day. 
The Lamb was a shock to the Roman world of Jesus' day.
And the Lamb and the way of the Lamb for our lives is a shock today too. 

Consider some words of the Lamb from Matthew 5. He is telling people how to follow the way of the Lamb. If I can put it plainly, He is telling people who believe they are Christians how to live like Christians: 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, 
for theirs is the kingdom of God. 
Blessed are the meek, 
for they shall inherit the Earth. 
Blessed are the peacemakers, 
for they shall be called children of God.
You have heard it said, 
"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth!"
But i say to you,
Do not resist the one who is evil: 
But whoever slaps you in the right cheek, 
Turn to him the other olso. 
Whoever forces you to go one mile,
go with him two. 
Love your enemies, 
do good to those who hate you.
bless those who curse you,
pray for those who mistreat you.

Disturbing? Shocking? 
Maybe in some ways.

Captivating? Revolutionary? 
Absolutely.

You and I are called to live the way of the Lamb. This is not easy. We pray, Holy Spirit, empower me to walk in the way of the Lamb today.
Amen

Pastor Mike