Blood
Blood is a substance that is very interesting and intriguing. As far as I know, our scientists haven’t been able to create a substitute substance to replace blood. Blood carries life throughout our bodies. Animals have blood, but it’s different than the blood of humans. I am a blood donor to the Red Cross so that others who loose blood can have some of mine or others. There are various blood types in human beings and it even breaks down into various types of blood. I can’t donate my blood to just anyone – they must have the same blood type. There is one blood type that is universal to everyone – “O-“ can be given to someone like me if I’m in need of blood, because I’m “A-“. When I cut my skin and start to bleed, it’s a bit gross to me. My blood has clotting factors and different cells that perform amazingly when a cut happens. The white blood cells rush to the scene and the clotting factors go to work immediately to stop the bleeding. If I put a bandage on the cut, it’s a major assist to help stop the bleeding. My blood flow is a unique closed system.
When I read of blood sacrifices in the Old Testament, it is a bit much. I’ve killed a deer before and “field dressed” it to retrieve the meat to eat for food. Deer meat (aka venison) is a bloody meat, but probably the healthiest of red meats. I think if I had to kill an animal when I sin, it would really bother me for sure. I guess it’s like everything else, I would get used to it. I think my sin is the result of my self-centered approach to my life. If another live being has to die because of my selfishness, it should really shake up my soul.
The Hebrew writer eloquently reflects on the old worship experience and how Jesus Christ changed all of that. Jesus was the final sacrifice for sin needed. Jesus did away with the need for shedding the innocent blood of animals for my sin guilt. I am so thankful.
22 In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.
24 For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. 25 And he did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. 26 If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice.
27 And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment,28 so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.(Hebrews 9:22,24-27 NLT)
I am profoundly changed because of what Jesus has done. Even before I understood the impact of His life, death and resurrection. I’m still learning and exploring the depth of it who Jesus and how He has changed every area of my life. I welcomed Him into my heart many years ago, but I’m growing to know Him better every day. It’s important for me to keep exploring investigating Jesus, Son of God and how His sacrifice for sin profoundly changed EVERYTHING and EVERY AREA of my life. I’m thankful for the freedom from my sin because of His death. I’m thankful for His Presence in me, not because I’m good or perfect, but because HE IS GOOD, and HE IS PERFECT!!
Pressing On!
Dwayne