There was a moment yesterday, just a fleeting one, when my thoughts began to focus on some difficulty I was having. At the same time the news bulletin was on in the background. The news item was showing a child in Gaza being bandaged up, badly traumatised, it is as we all know the worst place on earth for a child.
That’s when I said, ‘It’s not as bad as that!’
“In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (Hebrews 12 v 4)
It is an interesting sentence because it shows that for this community of believers who are tempted to go back to Judaism because of hostility, they were not experiencing what Christ did for them.
In the garden of Gethsemane, “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Luke 22 v 44)
Under arrest from Pilate, “Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.” (Matthew 27 v 26)
Being crucified, “then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head.” (Matthew 27 v 29)
After he was crucified, “one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.” (John 19 v 34)
Look to the blood of Christ. That’s what the Pastoral advice was to the church. It still is today.
His skinless back full of blood, a crown of thorns piercing his head, a face bruised by the beating, barely able to stand, a broken God of glory. That’s who the author is reminding the church of. Calling them to fix their eyes on Jesus and consider Him who shed His blood for them.
Some will wake today once again driven to succeed, to be somebody, to do something, to achieve their dreams and to be remembered, all for the glory of God. Remember the blood of Jesus.
Some will wake today and wonder how did they become so disappointed in life? Why have their dreams died and their prayers not been answered? Why are they hurting so much? Remember the blood of Jesus.
God coming into the world looks like this.
For us:- “How many ‘likes’? What is the brand? How many are engaged with us?”
Remember the blood of Jesus.
It was shocking and it was meant to be. We see the divine in the failing humanity.
Greatness and Glory are seen, so remember the blood.
Reject this picture and you will turn from the power of God seen in your weakness.
Avoid this pain and you will never reach the power of the resurrection.
Remember the blood.
Look in the mirror with all your questions, disappointments, hurts, grief and confusion.
Not much to look at. Yet God has chosen to dwell in such a place as you.
Remember the blood.
It’s not as bad as that!
Missions Paul 