Our family raises and cares for sheep. I have been helping our family care for the sheep as long as I can remember. Some of the sheep get special care, because they are the best of the herd.
Abba says our best sheep must be given to the temple. He says that is the way it’s always been done.
When I was younger, I cried to think of those sweet little lambs having their throats cut on the altar, but Abba explained why it is necessary.
“It is because we aren’t perfect, Shimon,” Abba told me. “Our Creator, Elohim, is perfect, and we must present Him with an atonement for our Sin so He will look kindly upon us.”
“Isn’t there another way, Abba?”
“Do not be foolish, my tenderhearted son. This is what Elohim requires. He gives us life and all the requirements for our lives. It is but a small price we must pay.”
I understood what Abba was trying to tell me but couldn’t help but think it wasn’t a small price for the poor lambs who had to pay it.
As one of the shepherd’s sons, it was my job to help feed and care for the lambs. As I cared for them, I learned to identify which ones would be eligible for the temple sacrifice. Abba had told me only pure, white, unblemished lambs could be sacrificed at the temple. He reminded me we had to make a perfect sacrifice to get ideal forgiveness.
I cared for all the lambs as I had been taught, but when I cared for those pure white lambs, I secretly gave them a little extra food and a few extra cuddles. I thought that it was the least I could do for them.
But, deep in my heart, I wondered if there wasn’t a better way for the Creator to find atonement for our sins?
Today I have reached the age of my manhood. Abba is trusting me to take our lambs to the temple. I am eager to go.
I understand why Elohim demands pure, unblemished sacrifice. But surely there is something more fitting to present to our Creator than the blood of these lambs.
I have told Abba that I will not stop seeking until I find the answer.