When I See the Blood

Today was communion Sunday at Open Door, and the title of Pastor Nathan’s message was, “When I See the Blood.” In Exodus 12:1-14 we find the story of the exodus when God delivered the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt. They were told to prepare the Passover meal and instructed to place the blood on the sides and top of the doorframe. “The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.” (Vs 13)

In our lives as believers, how important is the blood of Jesus? The above passage is a picture of our salvation, for the things written in the Old Testament always point to Jesus. But why do we need the blood? Romans 3:23 indicates that we are all born sinners. All mankind stands guilty before God, and for man to be delivered from sin, there must be a sacrifice. We must be born again, a new creation in Christ Jesus. The blood of Jesus creates a distinction. A child of God is different. We can no longer blend in with the world, for Romans 6:23 clearly tells us that the wages or result of sin is death, but praise God, we have a redeemer! His Name is Jesus!

In the beginning, God created the earth and placed Adam and Eve in the center of it. God wanted a family. He wanted fellowship, but when they sinned, they were separated from God. (Genesis 3:21) God had to kill an animal to make clothes for them. Sin is very offensive to God. It is so offensive that it jeopardizes our fellowship and relationship with God. God had to search for Adam after he sinned, but the blood allowed God to look past their sin and see them once again. The blood is the only thing that can set us free. The blood represents God’s love and mercy. (Leviticus 17:11) In the Old Testament, it was the animal sacrifices that temporarily covered sin, but we have a better Covenant! I John 1:8-9 tells us that through the precious blood of Jesus, “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The blood of Jesus represents unconditional, sacrificial, divine, and eternal love. The blood of Jesus is God’s liquid love!

What, then, should be our response to such great love given to us? “Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others. (I Peter 4:8 AMP) As Christians, we are called to walk in that same love. It is easy to see the flaws of others, but we can learn to see others through the blood of Jesus also, to see the potential in our brothers and sisters in Christ. When God sees the blood, he doesn’t see the sin anymore. Love covers sin. (Proverbs 10:12, 19:11) When we get a revelation of what God has done for us, it will enable us to overlook the faults of others. Because God is patient with us, we will be able to extend patience to others. We will be able to look past the flesh and see what others can become in Christ.

Just as we have been forgiven, we can learn to forgive others. In fact, our own forgiveness hinges upon this truth. “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25-26) Unforgiveness changes our voice and will prevent God from hearing us. Love is a gift that has no limits. (Matthew 18:21-22)

In conclusion, the precious blood of Jesus is a gift to us. We in turn must take that gift of love and forgiveness and extend it to others. (Matthew 18:33)