Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.
Blood. Ever really stopped to think about it? It flows through our veins, carrying good things like nutrients and bad things like viruses. It flows from our bodies when we are injured. It varies in color and thickness and has unique types. It might make some people squeamish, but sharing it can save lives. There is no greater symbol of life than blood.
The Israelites believed this. Hebrews Chapter 9 gives us a look into the practices and laws for worship in the earthly Tabernacle. The innermost room of the Tabernacle was called “The Most Holy Place”. Once a year, the high priest entered to atone for the nation’s sin. Only the high priest could enter the innermost sanctum; all others were forbidden. The other priests and commoners only had access to God through the high priest, who would offer a sacrifice and use the blood of an unblemished animal to atone first for his own sins and then for the sins of the people. Atonement is covering the debt that humans owe to God for our contributions to evil and death in this world. Verse 22 “...and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
God considered the faith and obedience of His people, and they were made ceremonially clean. And then came JESUS! HIS blood not only provided atonement but also purification. HIS blood cleanses and washes away the vandalism that evil has caused in and around us so that we (the created) can live in peace with God (the Creator). Rules and rituals have never cleansed people’s hearts. It is only by the blood of the unblemished Lamb of God that cleansing occurs and right standing is restored. HIS sacrifice moves us from being considered ceremonially clean to being completely cleansed from the inside out.
There is no longer a barrier of sin or weakness on our part that can stifle God’s forgiveness. Verse 24 shows us that no one can add to what Jesus did to save us; our past, present, and future sins are all forgiven. As our High Priest, Jesus is our advocate, the mediator between God and us. (Hebrews 7:25)
If blood is the greatest symbol of life, and sharing it can save others, think about the magnitude and impact of our One and Only Savior’s blood. Jesus Christ shed His blood so that we could know the fullness of the life we were created for. Why not embrace that assurance that frees us from guilt and shame once and for all?
Take two minutes to reflect in silence.