4.26.9 "When the Blood Flows..."

"When the Blood Flows..."

Judges 6:1-40
Luke 22:54-23:12
Psalm 95:1-96:13
Proverbs 14:5-6

"At that moment Jesus turned and looked at Peter..."

This short passage is from the account of the time soon after Jesus was arrested. Peter has just denied him three times. I can't imagine that moment... that look.

There's something happening in these passages that describe the arrest, trial, accusations, beatings, and crucifixion of Jesus. We know it as the story of the Passion. We've seen it on stage and on screen. We encounter the image of the cross numerous times throughout each day. It is history. At the same time, it is so much more than that.

This is not just a story. There is something that happens when the blood flows...

What is the purpose of blood in the body? It's to bring oxygen to the rest of the body. It brings life.

Two years ago for today's devotional I recounted a story of how in 2006 I saw an incredible giving experience for the ministry of City on a Hill, a ministry in the heart of Milwaukee. As pastors from all sizes of churches and ministries were giving sacrificially, it was as if I heard a heartbeat.

During the same ministry report in 2008, City on a HIll reported of the lives that were changed through the ministry, including a young boy who came and sang. Also mentioned during this was a significant budget shortage. Once again, Individuals, pastors, and missionaries spontaneously came to the mic and began to commit to meet that shortage. In just a few minutes, over $150,000 was committed to this ministry. The heart was beating strong again.

When the Body of Christ is giving, the heart is beating strong. In spite of the fact that the local fitness center charges me each month, my body doesn't get healthier unless I go there and get on the machine. I like to use the eliptical. It has little sensors on the handle, that let me know where my heart rate is. For anything to be accomplished, I must raise my heart rate. The same is true for the Body of Christ. To get healthy, we must get the blood flowing.

When Jesus looked at Peter there was a heartbeat. The greatest gift of all was being GIVEN. The blood that would flow from Jesus' wounds would not merely be spilled on the ground. It would be bringing the oxygen of freedom from the bondage of sin and disease. It would be bringing new hope of abundant life.

When you think about your life, when do you feel most "fulfilled"? I would venture to say that we all find fulfillment when we are giving in one way or another. I almost hate to use the word "fulfill" because it has such a selfish connotation, as if it is "all about me." But I hope you know that feeling... You feel ALIVE!

When we give, the blood flows. When we present all we have to God and others are ministered to through it, there is something happening supernaturally. Often our mind looks to the checkbook to see what the balance is after we give. We "figure" out the "cost" of ministry. We wonder how we're going to get time for supper if we are involved in serving others. We're worrying about logistics, and losing sight of Life.

Sure, there are many needs out there, and we are to give to meet those needs. But the real reason to give isn't because THEY need the money. It's because I need to LIVE.

When Jesus gave, his blood flowed.

When we give the blood flows.

When the blood flows...

There is LIFE!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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