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The Ass and the Lamb Elder Joe Nettles Oh, the multitude of types and shadows contained in the Old Testament’s timeless verses! There is seemingly no end to the object lessons taught in the battles, relationships, observances, characters, and creatures - most of which point directly to Christ and him crucified. Seeing the type (something vague that represents something significant) accurately fulfilled in the antitype (the significant thing represented) serves to embolden our belief in the inspiration of scripture and comfort us in the great antitype, Christ himself. Two creatures used in such a way in the Old Testament are the ass and the lamb. In Exodus 34:19-20, "All that openeth the matrix is mine; and every firstling among thy cattle, whether ox or sheep, that is male. But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem him not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty." Let's recognize the lesson being taught using these creatures in this command of the Lord. First, let's recognize the preeminence of the firstborn. That male that "openeth the matrix" was dedicated to the Lord through sacrifice if it was considered clean under the Mosaic Law. Notice how Christ is referenced in the New Testament - "the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:29); "the firstbegotten" (Hebrews 1:6); "the firstborn of every creature" (Colossians 1:15); and "the firstborn from the dead" (Colossians 1:18). Not only is he the firstborn, but impeccably clean and lawful also. His sacrifice on the cross attests to this. II Corinthians 5:21 expresses this as neatly and concisely as any scripture I've found (parentheticals added) - "For he hath made him to be sin for us (sacrificed), who knew no sin (perfectly clean); that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (perfectly lawful)." As the firstborn male was counted preeminent under the law in an earthly sense, Christ has the preeminence in all things in every sense! Next, please notice the "weak link" in this passage, typified as an ass. We see the antitype of this type every time we look in the mirror. That's right, it's us! What more fitting animal to represent the true nature of Adamic man than a smelly, ornery, contrary donkey! Our vain pride is expressed in Job 11:12, "For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass's colt." Considering that Paul recognized the ox as a figure of the Lord's gospel ministers (I Corinthians 9:9-10), we can easily see the lesson being taught in Deuteronomy 22:10, "Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together." What confusion is born when the godly yolk themselves together with the ungodly. We see that the ass is representative of fallen, carnal man. As such, man is unclean and unworthy just like the donkey was under the law. In no wise was he to be sacrificed before the Lord. To dare to attempt it would be to "appear before me (the Lord) empty", or worthless. In our fallen nature we have not one merit to claim before the just and holy God. Some men dare claim that at that great and terrible judgment day their good works and perceived righteousness will secure their redemption in Christ. Take heed poor deluded man to Psalm 39:5, "...verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity"! Woe unto those who stand unredeemed before the throne for the second death will be their end, or as it is described in our text, “then shalt thou break his neck.” However, the best has been saved for last – the Lamb! As is revealed in the New Testament Jesus Christ is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29); “the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing” (Revelation 5:12); and “a lamb without blemish and without spot” (I Peter 1:19). Just as the ass was considered redeemed as soon as the lamb of redemption was slain, all the elect of God were redeemed in the Father’s eyes when Christ was slain! This point is proven in Hebrews 10:11-12, “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.” Again, in verse 14, “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” Through Christ’s redeeming merits none of his elect shall be found empty or worthy to be broken.
How blessed we donkeys are! Not only did
the Lamb give himself for the asses, he also
reveals it to us in his church. We are assured
in the prophecy regarding
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