09/17/2024
Just finished this Jacob sheep (scientific name ovis aries) for a customer who specifically tends livestock that have a biblical connection. I was super blessed by this experience. Jacob sheep are a unique and ancient breed, known for their cool look with multiple horns and their spotted black-and-white wool. What makes them even more special is their tie to the Bible, where in Genesis 30, Jacob bred these sheep as part of a deal with his father-in-law that had some pretty miraculous outcomes. Additionally many believe that the ram caught in the thicket in the story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22) was likely a Jacob sheep. When Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac, a ram appeared, and it’s thought that it could’ve been one of these horned rams. It was pretty amazing to have the opportunity to work on one of these ancient sheep that played a part in such a powerful story from the Bible. What makes all of this so much more beautiful and interesting are the prophetic connections between what took place in Genesis 22 and the sacrifice Jesus made to offer us eternal life in Heaven with Him.
Father and Son Relationship: Both stories involve a father (Abraham and God) sacrificing their beloved, only son (Isaac and Jesus).
Carrying Wood: Isaac carried the wood for his own sacrifice, just as Jesus carried the cross.
Mountains: Isaac was to be sacrificed on Mount Moriah, the same location Jesus was crucified; later named Golgotha.
Submission of the Son: Isaac willingly went along with his father's plan, and Jesus willingly submitted to God's plan for His sacrifice.
Substitute Sacrifice: In both stories, God provided a substitute—a ram in Isaac's case and Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity. (Genesis 22:8 …God will provide Himself a lamb)
