Thoughts on the Blood - Part 1

For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life. (Leviticus 17:11 ESV). Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers' houses, a lamb for a household. (Exodus 12:3 ESV). I received a call from the Vanderbilt Clinic where I phlebotomize every eight weeks a few days ago reminding me it was time to come in and give blood. As important as it is to give blood, you’d think I’d remember the intervals. However, I don’t! The reminder did start me thinking about the importance of blood. Not only is it essential for me to get rid of it, it could help others who must have it to survive. The spiritual application is the same. If we are really to understand our Christian belief, we can’t get away without discussing blood. Perhaps today’s Scriptures, and the ones to follow this week, will help put it all into perspective. The Bible talks a lot about it. One dictionary defines blood as: “the red liquid that is pumped through your body by your heart.” Pretty simple, however, going to a more detailed dictionary I found a couple of other definitions. One being: “A fluid consisting of plasma, blood cells and platelets, that is circulated by the heart through the vertebrate vascular system, carrying oxygen and nutrients to and waste products away from all body tissue.” The next definition simply says: “A vital or life-giving substance.” I think you get the idea. Blood is an essential element of our life. It makes sense then that blood would be considered important to God as well. God decided, when He designed our bodies, that blood would be the substance to bring life to our bodies. Is it any wonder, then, that, since blood is necessary for life, that God accepted the sacrifice of shed blood, for the remission of sin, which if unredeemed, would bring an end to life? So, the precedent was set, the Old Testament followers of God were called to sacrifice a life, shedding its blood, and this was an acceptable “temporary” payment for sin. There were very specific instructions given for the sacrifices. Allowance was made for everyone, regardless of their economic situation to be able to make the sacrifices. Each one, regardless stood on even ground at the altar for the remission of their sins. It was a precursor to the one sacrifice of God’s Son made on behalf of all men at Calvary. Jesus’ blood was shed so that we could have our sins forgiven. Tomorrow we will look further at the shedding of blood for the remission of sin. However, for today, praise God that He at least allowed something to deal with our sin debt! What an incredible gift that is!