“And they defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and their testimony” - Rev 12:11 (NIV).
Blood sacrifices are the unifying element in all ancestral religions, as practiced in much of Africa. In order to receive a blessing or forgiveness for any misdeed it is expected one to shed blood of usually a fowl to please the gods. In some instances the price is much higher- the number of fowls increases, sometimes it is cattle, but then it could also be slaughtering humans to appease the vengeful gods.
Early this year a small girl was snatched from his bed in Wakiso district here in Uganda. Her head was slit in a shrine. Her killers after being captured confessed that they expected this ritual killing to yield power and wealth for those involved. In Islam, every year they celebrate Eid al- Adha where they slaughter a cow, goat or sheep as a sign of faith in God. Blood is seen as a substitute for any failing and the way to God.
For Christians all these blood sacrifices have been substituted by one man, Jesus Christ. “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). The blood of Jesus also gives us believers free access to the throne of God to receive his blessings. “Christ paid the price so that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to all the people of the world through Jesus Christ and we would receive the promised Spirit through faith” (Gal 3:14).
The blood of Jesus covers all wrongs. “For you know that it is not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you by your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect ( 1 Peter 1:18-19). Through Jesus’ blood we are also protected. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24).
Today, as we go about, let us rest assured in this knowledge that what makes us special as believers is this blood of Jesus shed for us. Let us never hesitate to cry out to it to cover every area of our lives. Unlike other blood sacrifices it is free for those that believe. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1: 7).
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today in the blessed name of Jesus, I call on your blood to protect me and all my belongings from the attack of the enemy and to be blessed if its power!
