The original Passover was the time when God’s people were protected from death by putting the blood of sacrificial lambs on their doors.
We often remember the event and its importance, but we only see it from the human side. I began to wonder what it was like from the lamb’s side.
There was more than one lamb sacrificed on the day of Passover. This is the story of one of them.
Joshua was a one year old little lamb. One day, when he was grazing in the pasture, His Father God called to him.
Joshua immediately looked up. If his earthly shepherd had been watching, he would have been puzzled to see just one of his flock looking up.
His shepherd would not have heard The Voice Joshua heard. But Joshua knew his Father.
Joshua’s Father would later tell the humans what Joshua already knew.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
John 10:27-28
Joshua’s Father said, “My precious little one. It is time for you to know why you are here.
Little lamb, you were raised for My Glory.
Your assignment was to to be loved by your family. And so you are. Your earthly shepherd has loved you and protected you. Now you will protect him.
Your assignment was to be pure without fault or blemish. And so you are.
I created you in a special way. We share the same Blood.
And now Our Blood will save not only your shepherd, but also a nation.”
Joshua listened intently. He felt a sense of wonder as he thought of sharing blood with His Father. He pondered how that could be. He was just a little lamb.
He asked. The Father answered.
“You are not just a lamb. You are My Lamb. And you are My Beloved.”
His Father God smiled. Joshua smiled. If his shepherd had been paying attention, he would have seen what looked like a bright star shining down on the pasture in the middle of the day.
The Father continued.
“When the day comes to use Our Blood, you need not fear. I already have a whole new body waiting for you. You will come Home to Me and continue to grow in My Green Pastures in your new body.”
The Little Lamb did not ask how he would get from earth to The Green Pastures of His Father. He knew His Father knew The Way and he would simply follow Him.
He had just one question.
“Will my family on earth remember me?”
“Yes, my little one, they will remember you. They will think of your trusting eyes, your sweet way of bleating when you wanted food, the softness of your nose when you nuzzled close to them to sleep … so many things.
But you, my beloved, will be remembered for more than that.
My little lamb, you and I are going to work together to save human lives. They will celebrate Us every year. They will call the celebration Passover.”
Joshua did not ask for more details. He trusted His Father. He continued his life as a sheep … until it was time.
The day came that Joshua fulfilled His Purpose on earth. He gave his body and his blood willingly.
By the time The Blood he shared with His Father was put on the doors, he was already in The Green Pastures his Father had prepared for him.
Even today people celebrate Passover. Most never think about the little lamb, but they remember the Power of The Blood he gave.
He delivered it with Love from his Father, who had named him well.
Joshua means “God is my salvation.”
The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you!
Exodus 12:13
