Romans 5:8-9
8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!
Romans 3:25-26
25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Commentary
I gave blood for the first time today. As I was driving to the donation center, I was nervous. “Would it hurt”? “Will I pass out?” These are just a few questions I was asking myself on the drive over. I wanted to be sure that it would be a comfortable and pleasant experience for me.
As I went through the application process and answered millions of questions, I made my walk to the chair. It was an intimidating and exciting feeling. I sat down in the chair and as they found my vein, stuck my arm with the needle, the blood instantly started flowing. As my nurse walked away, I sat in my chair (blood still pumping) and I began to think of what Jesus went through and what he did to save my life and yours.
Jesus Christ shed His blood to save us and so that we could spend eternity with Him. His conditions were far from pleasant. He wasn’t sitting in a leather chair with a blanket on his lap. There wasn’t a nurse standing next to His side to make sure everything went smoothly. There weren’t snacks and juice waiting for Him after He had finished. Jesus went through everything imaginable because He LOVES us. His conditions were not pleasant. He felt pain and heartache. Our sinful hearts put him on that cross. So often, I forget how incredibly blessed I am to have Christ’s blood shed for me. I had to see my own blood in order to remember that. Jesus’ blood covered all sins for all people: past, present and future.
I encourage you to really ponder the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Thank Him for the paint he went through for us. We did absolutely nothing to deserve it. We are nowhere near worthy. But because of love, our Heavenly Father saved our lives.
Devotional Author: Nicole Presley