02/23/2024
The Life is in the Blood
I run along a road that is surrounded by two quarries and has large diesel trucks roaring up and down the road. The sound and smell remind me of my times deployed, when I would be running on the FOB (Forward Operating Base) and the 7-Ton trucks would pass by. Many times, the 7-tons were just transporting materials or taking troops out on missions, but sometimes they were coming on to base in a hurry, accompanied by a broadcast: MASS CASUALTY! MASS CASUALTY! ASSEMBLE THE SURGICAL TEAM! This broadcast was usually followed by another one requesting donations of different blood types. Men and women all over base would drop what they were doing to go donate blood in hopes that it would save the life of their wounded compadre. We understand that life is in the blood.
In Leviticus 17.11 it tells us, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood.” We would give blood in order to save someone’s physical life and I would do it again and again, for ALL life is precious. But there is a man who came to give His blood, and through the shedding of His blood came everlasting life. The trauma and casualties of war are awful, and sometimes no amount of blood given can save a life. In some cases, the fatal wound is emotional and mental, weighing down the soul, with the one who is wounded inflicting the final blow in a hopeless act of su***de. Only one man’s blood transcends the physical and saves the soul, the blood of Jesus Christ. In His death there is life. In the shedding of His blood there is the forgiveness of sins. Through His sacrifice on the cross we can be made right with God and be made new. All mankind has the fatal wound of sin upon his soul, and it is only the blood of Jesus Christ that can heal it. Before time began, God knew that the biggest mass casualty event would happen: sin entering the world. Its destruction and depravity seem boundless and, in the end, it will kill and destroy you. But just like on base, there was a second call, a call for blood and God Himself answered that call by becoming one of us and taking our place. He took on our sins and our sickness. In one victorious moment He bore it all on the cross for us; His blood running down; pouring out that we might live. He loves you and wants to heal you! All who call upon His name will be saved, therefore, repent and believe and know that the life is in His blood.