In The Footprints of the Lamb.

Book Review

Steinberger, G. In the Footprints of the Lamb. Bethany House Pub. 2000 Revised Edition. Original copyright 1936. Translated from Norwegian.

Commentary. Henry

Here is a little devotional booklet that was written in the first part of the twentieth century and is quite relevant to today’s culture. It would be a valid item in any devotional library.

The footprints of the Lamb are the Way of spiritual progress and growth. We are introduced to the Way of the Lamb. It is the way where we discover peace, a fruitful life, spiritual victories and the goal of glory. It is a way that has already been prepared for us by Jesus our high priest who knows us. This way brings us not only peace with God (Romans 5:1) but also the peace of God (Phillipians 4:7). The first is a gift from God, the second is blessing received because of obedience. Effective service and help for those needing salvation can only be given by lambs (of God). The way to glory is the way of the Lamb. It is the way of humility.

Our light on this Way is the Lamb. This Lamb teaches us to love. “Only in the school of Christ do we obtain more of the Spirit. Paul calls love the more excellent way. The Lamb is our model for serving. Our words can be life-giving or they can be life-destroying. God’s word becomes living when it is released in a person’s life. Both pride and humility are learned from others. “The Lamb teaches us to be humble.” (42). “Humility is -the soil in which all other virtues thrive.” (43). In the process of learning self-denial we must deal with six declarations of that self; “self-confidence, self-serving, self-seeking, self-will, self-satisfaction and self-exaltation”. (46).

Learning to be quiet is fundamental to following in the footprints of the Lamb and hearing from the Father. Jesus is our model. It became very evident in his suffering and obedience. It is part of sanctification. It is in quietness that genuine faith and effective work are developed.

The goal of the Way is “the visible union with the Lamb”. (79). The analogy of the bridegroom and the bride is used to help us understand this truth. As a member of the body (bride) being prepared for the Head (bridegroom) we need to realize the consequences and responsibilities of activities take away from the purity of that body.

This devotional booklet closes by focusing on the return of Christ (the resurrection of the believers). Hebrews 10:35-37. It is extremely important to be ready (cleansed) for this event and filled with anticipation. To no longer have this anticipation is part what in Revelation is referred to as having lost our ‘first love’.

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