But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

The nine travelers in New Guinea were sharing a taxi; they also shared something else.

They shared a not-so-pleasant experience. During their journey the taxi was stopped, and robbers stole everything of value from the travelers. That's right! The thieves took the wallets, the jewelry, and even the cell phones of the nine.

Oh, the thieves also took a cooler bag from one of the taxi riders.

Does that story seem like there must have been "a slow day at the news office"? Well, things change when you realize what was inside that bag. The cooler contained vials of blood that were on their way to the lab to be tested. Preliminary evidence had the experts believing those vials of blood would have tested positive for Ebola.

Now if those criminals, in ignorance, pour out those vials to see if they contain anything of value, they may get more than they bargained for. In so doing they will have exposed themselves to a particularly nasty illness: an illness which could easily take their lives.

Yes, these thieves have in their possession blood which can kill.

In contrast, I pray you have in your possession blood which can give life.

Understand, the blood about which I am speaking is most exceptional. This blood was shed 2,000 years ago on a Roman cross, which had been erected outside the city limits of Jerusalem. On that cross hung God's innocent Son, our Savior.

Many years before that event took place, the Triune God had looked with pity on His disobedient, sinful children. Feeling sorry for them, He promised He would send a Savior who would take their place.

In the Person of Jesus Christ, God kept that promise.

During His life, Jesus took our place as He resisted Satan's temptations. He took our place as He kept God's laws perfectly. Then, having done everything else that was necessary, He went to His death and shed His blood. On the cross, Jesus took our place and died the death that was part of the punishment we had earned for our transgressions.

Although the picture of the Innocent dying for the guilty is a sad and sorry one, there is good news. Three days after Jesus' lifeless body was placed into a borrowed grave, He conquered death and rose from the dead.

The living Lord Jesus is proof that His work has been accepted, and now all who are brought to faith in Him as Savior are granted forgiveness and given eternal life. As John told the early church, it is proof that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us of all sin.

In short, Jesus has shed for us the blood which gives life.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks for the good news that says You have created and completed the plan of salvation, which forgives and saves. May I always be grateful for the Savior who willingly shed His blood so I might live. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 84, 90    Revelation 9

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