The Sacrificial Lamb

Do you recognize these pictures?

Many of you probably do not, unless you grew up along the coast or unless you are one of our Heiskell junior high students who just got back from sea camp in the Florida Keys. While our students were there, they learned about these special trees known as Red Mangrove trees. These trees flourish along the coast, and their roots are found partially in the salt water, but also on the land. What is so special about these trees you may ask, well up until today I did not know either. Mr. Leatherman once again blessed my heart with a sweet devotion he shared with the children before starting our day. You see, these trees do not need salt water to grow. In fact, they need fresh water. I have your attention now, don't I? Earlier I stated that the roots of these trees are found partially in the salt water, but they need fresh water to grow? How can this be? Well, the One who created you and me also created the Red Mangrove, and He knows better than we do what we need to survive. If you look carefully in the last two pictures, you will see some yellow or brown leaves scattered throughout the lush green ones. These leaves are known as sacrificial leaves. They absorb all of the salt from the salt water, so that the other leaves may live on the fresh water they need. Sound familiar? Jesus did for us what these sacrificial leaves do for the Red Mangrove trees. He is the sacrificial lamb, dying, absorbing all of our sins, so that we may live.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
John 1:29

God is never tired.

Yesterday morning, families all over Atlanta rubbed their sleepy eyes, attempted to return to their "normal" routine, and headed back to school. Spring break was over and the time changed. Whew, it was rough! Children at the Heiskell School were no different. We enjoyed being out of school last week and spending time with our families. Monday always comes though, doesn't it? Mr. Leatherman, the chaplain here at our school, shared a message in our devotion time that spoke to my heart and my tired bones. He read these verses:
Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable.
He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might he increases power.
Though youths may grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength.
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Then he said the most profound and perfect thing for the Monday morning after a long week of spring break, for the Monday morning after the time changed, for a Monday morning that was cold: God is never tired! Aren't you thankful for that?