Hebrews 9:20

There is a strange power about the very name of blood, and the sight of it is always affecting. A kind heart cannot bear to see a sparrow bleed and, unless familiarized by use, turns away with horror at the slaughter of a beast. As to the blood of men, it is a consecrated thing: it is murder to shed it in wrath; it is a dreadful crime to squander it in war.

Is this solemnity caused by the fact that the blood is the life, and its pouring forth the token of death? We think so. When we rise to contemplate the blood of the Son of God, our awe is further increased, and we shudder as we think of the guilt of sin and the terrible penalty which the Sin-bearer endured.

Blood, always precious, is priceless when it streams from Immanuel’s side. The blood of Jesus seals the covenant of grace and makes it forever sure. In ancient times, covenants were made by sacrifice, and the everlasting covenant was ratified in the same manner. Oh, the delight of being saved upon the sure foundation of divine commitments that cannot be dishonored!

Salvation by the works of the law is a frail and broken vessel whose shipwreck is sure; but the covenant vessel fears no storms, for the blood ensures the whole. The blood of Jesus made his testament valid. Wills have no power unless the testators die. In this light, the soldier’s spear is a blessed aid to faith, since it proved our Lord to be really dead.

About that matter, there can be no doubts, and we may boldly appropriate the legacies which he has left for his people. Happy are those who see their title to heavenly blessings assured to them by a dying Savior. But does this blood have no voice to us? Does it not call us to sanctify ourselves to him by whom we have been redeemed? Does it not call us to newness of life and incite us to entire consecration to the Lord? O that the power of the blood might be known and felt in us this night!