The Blood

When I was in high school, my church was broken into. It was December. I had written a poem (about the gospel, and the true reason we celebrate Christmas) and my pastor decided he wanted to put it in the following Sunday’s bulletin. That very week we were robbed. The details are all a little fuzzy to me now, but I have a memory of broken glass and our church safe emptied.

I have memories of feeling anger and disbelief. Who would rob a church? And at Christmas? But this is what I will never forget~

When my pastor finally returned my poem to me, the bloody thumb print of one of the robbers was left on it. He showed me and said, “Charisse, this man picked up and read your poem, and maybe because of that he accepted Jesus as his Savior.” There was no judgment, condemnation, anger or bitterness in his voice. Only love, and a longing for this man’s soul to be saved.

I prayed for that man. I don’t know what ever happened to him, but three things stuck out in my mind.

1. Jesus died for that man just as much as He died for me. And if that man repented and asked Jesus to save him, Jesus blood washed away his sins and covered the blood stain of guilt he left behind that day. There is no one too far gone in sin that Jesus blood cannot save.

2. If Jesus not only loves sinners, but also died on the cross for those sins so that we can be forgiven, we ought to be forgiving of others in like fashion. Just like my pastor portrayed to me that day.

3. And last, if I truly believe that Jesus shed blood on the cross saved me from my sins, I can be sure that no matter what I am facing~ He will be with me even now. His blood not only covers my sins, it gives me power for every struggle, and every need.

I know for a fact that back in high school, it never once entered my mind that someday God would bring that story back to me so that I could share it with you. And I know He has a reason. Whether you’re struggling with believing that Jesus can truly save you, I am here to tell you He can! Whether you’re struggling with forgiveness or bitterness toward someone, I am here to tell you that through Jesus’ power you can forgive! And if you are struggling right now with a heavy burden or need, I am here to tell you that His shed blood will help you, not only because it is powerful, but also because it is the greatest form of love human kind has ever known.

SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Peter 1:18–19, Ephesians 1:7, 2:13, 4:32, Colossians 1:14, 20, 3:13, 1 John 1:7, Revelation 1:5, 12:11, Hebrews 9:14, 22, 10:19, 22