PERFECT LAMB

SLAUGHTER AND SACRIFICE IN CENTRAL ASIA

Bread and meat hold deep significance in parts of Central Asia. In this predominantly Muslim region, dietary laws and principles of slaughter are influenced by Islam. Lambs are slaughtered for religious observances and other special occasions. Though not unfamiliar with sacrifice, my experience with slaughter has been negligible. As a guest at a celebratory meal, the process found me sobered, honored and conflicted – though deeply appreciative of the hospitality shown to me. Look at these photographs and reflect with me on the Perfect Lamb of Jesus Christ.

Jesus himself testifies of his voluntary sacrifice.

“For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” – John 10:17-18

And his willingness stretched far beyond a voluntary death on the cross. Rather, his entire life was an offering, lived in willing obedience to God.

This was not the case for this sheep. Though initially in hand, it wriggled, wrangled and avoided capture long enough for more than a little color to come to our hosts’ face. In the end however, the pen provided only so many options for evasion.

I recall a peculiar anticipation, a bloated quiet. This lamb was not a random animal shot in the woods, nor one of a thousand in a factory farming herd. As I understand it, we’re looking into the eyes of the family’s only lamb for the year. The cost for this meal was very real.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

What struck me in this moment was how quickly everything changed for this animal. Just seconds ago, blood pumped through its veins, breath filled its lungs. I was reminded that I stand on the razor’s edge of eternity – though secure in His grasp because of the blood of the Lamb.

“Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all of mankind stands as a mere breath!” – Psalm 39:5

As the father worked, the eldest assisted and the youngest observed. One might reduce it to passing on a skill, but from my perspective the transfer of culture and even faith was taking place before my eyes. It was being modeled in person, part of their shared life and experience. So too will I continue to gather with my family around the Lamb of God.

Not long into the process things took a turn for me from a solemn act to the work of butchering. It seemed like a switch from sacred to secular. Perhaps it was simply a defense mechanism – It’s familiar for me to think about a cut of meat, about getting the job done. It was harder to think about this animal having its neck cut on my behalf, of being honored by this family at such great cost.

Zhorgom are sheep intestines which are washed, braided and boiled. The design was beautiful.

I have a sense that we reflect our Creator God through our creativity and industry. It was impressive to see most every part of the sheep being prepared for one thing or another. I’m not sure I’d seek out zhorgom intentionally but was so thankful to have had the opportunity to eat it.

As water rinsed away blood from the very knife used to slaughter the lamb I couldn’t help but think of being purified, of being forgiven.

“How much more with the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” – Hebrews 9:14

There’s just something wonderful to me about the smell of meat being cooked with fire and of the atmosphere around it. This was no exception. The smoke seems to invite me to come and eat. Jesus too makes this invitation, to come and eat, to come and drink, to share in something more than physical sustenance. Imagine gathering with the Risen Christ on the beach, cooking fish on a fire, fish that had just miraculously filled the nets!

“When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.’ So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’” – John 21:9-12

Reclined at the table, music, friends, family, and even dancing. In a way the sheep brought us to this place. How much more the Lamb of God.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to and eat with him, and he with me.” – Revelation 3:20

Authorized users may download this content.