WEEK THREE | DAY FIVE
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace…”—Ephesians 1:7
The Old Testament includes many examples of animal sacrifice. The Jewish people understood this practice as a way of keeping peace with God. So when John the Baptist announced Jesus as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), listeners likely thought of Passover, foreshadowing Jesus as the Lamb of God, born to reconcile all peoples to Himself.
Throughout history, many people groups have sought redemption through sacrifice. The Nenet of Siberia traditionally sacrifice a white reindeer twice yearly to keep peace with the spirits and invoke good fortune. For the Nenet, reindeer represent much more than Christmas folklore—reindeer are life.
From their homeland, Siberia’s Yamal peninsula, the Nenet and their reindeer traditionally migrate more than 600 miles across northern Russia’s arctic tundra each year. Reindeer provide companionship, transportation and sustenance. Reindeer hides are used to make clothing and shelters for the harsh climate.
There is now a small, growing Nenet Church on the tundra, and Bible translation is underway. Thank God for the ways He is at work in the world! Join us in praying for all who believe they must earn salvation or do good works to reach heaven. Ask God to open avenues for them to hear about Jesus and the redemption He offers “according to the riches of His grace.”