Lifeblood

Mary Ann believed in God and His Son Jesus, but she struggled with why Jesus had to shed His blood to bring salvation. Who would think of cleansing something with blood? Yet the Bible says, " The law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood" ( HEBREWS 9:22). That, in Mary Ann's opinion, was disgusting!
    Then one day she had to go to the hospital. A genetic condition had altered her immune system, and doctor's became alarmed when the illness started attacking her blood. As she was in the emergency room she thought, If I lose my blood, I will die. But Jesus shed His blood so I can live!
    Suddenly everything made sense. In the midst of her pain, Mary Ann felt joy and peace. She understood that blood is life, and a holy life was needed to make peace with God for us. Today she is alive and well, thanking God for her health and for Jesus' sacrifice on her behalf.
    Hebrews 9 explains the meaning of the Old Testament blood ritual and the once and for all offering  of Jesus that brought animal sacrifice to an end. Bearing our sin, He willingly died and shed His blood to become our sacrifice. We now have confidence to enter God's presence. How could we ever thank Jesus enough for making His sacrifice our sacrifice, His life our life, and His Father our Father?
    Lord, I thank you for Jesus and for the shedding of His blood for me. I want to live my life in gratitude to You.
    The blood of Christ washes away our sins.