The Saving Power in the Blood of Jesus
Every year I endure the same trauma at my doctor’s office—the drawing of blood.
Why, traumatic? The answer lies in the words of a lab tech during one visit. “Your veins are itty bitty, Mrs. Friday.” Gee…yay for me.
And to add more apprehension, the veins on my arms refuse to come out of hiding. Like a game of hide-and-seek, lab techs armed with needles make several attempts to seek an appropriate candidate—but to no avail. Although I’m already bruised and lightheaded.
Then, the lab employee enlists support from other techs, and sure-fire methods to raise a vein. Such as trying to warm up the vein with heat packs or squeezing a round object with my hand. Any success, now? Nope.
Finally, one brave and innovative gal not only used a butterfly needle—the smallest option—but she also decided to use a visible vein on the top of my hand. She expressed one concern. This particular vein may not yield enough blood.
Drum roll, please. It worked! Hooray!
Ever since that day, I share my tiny-veins-and-hard-to-get-blood story with my lab person. So I kindly ask for a butterfly needle and to stick the vein in my hand. This makes my experience a little more pleasant.
It amazes me what our blood shows about us: type, heart-health, overall health, and often diagnoses a medical condition, disease, or illness. Life is in the blood.
Life in the Blood
Look at what the Lord told Moses:
“For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life” (Leviticus 17:11).
God set up the sacrificial system and Levitical priests. Because only the shedding of blood made atonement for sins. These sacrifices pointed to the coming of Jesus as the ultimate High Priest and final sacrifice for sins as noted in Hebrews.
“He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12).
“Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:11-12).
As the ultimate High Priest, Jesus became the final sacrifice and atonement for sins with the shedding of His blood. #Blood #Jesus Click To TweetPower in the Blood
Maybe like me, you remember singing about this power. The bloodshed of Jesus:
- canceled our sin debt
- provided salvation
- purchased eternal life
- reconciled us to God
- recovered everything the enemy stole from us
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:19-22).
The blood of Jesus canceled our sin debt, purchased eternal life, reconciled us to God, and recovered everything the enemy stole from us. #bloodshed #Jesus Click To TweetPlead the Blood
But let’s not forget our lives right now in the present. Mentors, teachers, and pastors encourage us to plead the blood of Jesus. Or to bring it between us and the enemy. Or as a covering for spiritual warfare in our lives including difficult circumstances and people.
The blood that flowed through Immanuel’s veins spilled-out on a cross. It cleanses our sins and gives us new life.
It redeems us, sets us free, and secures our adoption into God’s family.
Our hearts need triple bypass by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; a transfusion with the blood that never loses its power!
Oh the saving power of the blood!
Our hearts need triple bypass by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; a transfusion with the blood that never loses its power! #Blood #Jesus Click To TweetYour turn. Tell us in the comments if your veins are easily accessible. Or what the bloodshed of Jesus means to you.
*Scripture NIV
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© 2019 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved
Yes, Karen, our hearts do need the triple bypass that only the Trinity can provide – love that image!!!
And my veins? Fortunately, they don’t need to hunt and peck for them as they are quite visible. Still, getting blood drawn is never a fun experience, though necessary at times.
So thankful for the Blood of the Lamb shed for us, though none of us deserve it.
Blessings!
Martha, I really celebrate the image of a triple bypass becuase I desperately needed it…I needed a new and clean heart. Glad your veins are kind to you and work to your advantage. 🙂 While having blood drawn is no party, it’s nice when the experience is more pleasant.
And…oh the saving power of the blood of the Lamb!
I have only had trouble with my veins and blood being drawn when I was dehydrated. I learned to drink lots of water before going to have blood drawn. As I reflect on the sacrifice made for us through Jesus Christ, my heart is humbled. Each time I “give” blood, I pray I will remember Jesus and His love.
Hey Melissa, I found that out about staying hydrated a few years ago. Because my blood work must be a fasting test, I can’t have anything but water. Once I learned it works better when we drink lots of water, I try to do this too.
And remembering the bloodshed of Jesus every time you give blood is a great way to reflect on His sacrifical offering in our place.
Wonderful illustration. Glad to hear the attempts to draw blood were not in vain. 😉
Thanks, Homer. Appreciate you visiting and leaving a comment. So grateful for the blood that flowed through Immanuel’s veins.
Amen Karen. Blessings to you!
God bless, Homer!
Yes, every three months I go through this process for lab work, butterfly needle, tiny veins so they can draw my blood, etc.. and every time I eat, I have to prick a finger to draw blood…so my blood glucose meter, can show me what my blood sugar is, so I can give myself the amount of insulin I need for the carbs I eat. Being type one diabetic, I’m very much aware of life being in the blood. I don’t say this for pity though. I understand how very important the blood is for the body! I praise God for the blood of Jesus and I so appreciate this post. Only the blood of Jesus can redeem us, set us free and give us life! It’s interesting too, that, each time I stick my finger to do the test and then wipe the blood from my poor stinging finger…the shape that’s left, is that of a tiny heart…I suppose whoever makes the lancets made it that way…and each time I see that blood shaped heart, I think of love! God is love, his blood was shed on Calvary for all our sins, his blood was the perfect blood, acceptable to God, one time for all time …Thank you Karen for sharing your amazing story! <3 There is power in the blood of Jesus!! <3
Wow, Marla! That’s so interesting and amazing about the heart-shaped blood after you prick your finger. Yes, what great love to provide the powerful blood of Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb without spot or blemish. I’m sure you do understand how life is in the blood. I hope we never forget the blood of Jesus canceled our sin debt, purchased eternal life, reconciled us to God, and recovered everything the enemy stole from us. The wonderful blood that never loses its power! Hallelujah!
Lab techs love my veins but that makes me envious of people whose veins aren’t that obvious. #veinsarenotpretty
I love the triple bypass. I needed it, too. I was 38 when I really understand the working power of the blood of Christ. My life is in His blood!
Beth, I haven’t thought about the fact that veins aren’t really pretty. 🙂 But I’m envious of people who have veins easily accessible like you. And we certainly all need triple bypass from the holy trinity for a clean and new heart the Lord promises in the Scriptures. Thankful our life is in His blood! Hallelujah for the blood!
Karen,
I love how you related your struggles with giving blood to the blood Jesus shed for us. I had never thought about that. You see, I, too, have the same struggle with “itty-bitty” veins. I had a nurse tell me to drink lots of water before having blood drawn. It has helped. However, sometimes, I forget, and then, it HURTS! I’ve also had lab techs use a smaller needle to draw blood from a vein in the back of my hand. Thank you for this post. Now, when I have blood drawn, I will remember your post and what it means that my life is the blood HE shed for me.
Hey Carol, a few years ago, a nice lady in the lab waiting area told me about drinking lots of water before having blood drawn. You’d think the doctors or nurses or even lab people would gladly relay that bit of good information. Sorry you have such tiny veins as well. Appreciate you sharing your experience and thoughts. Talking about blood seems strange and gory to some. But the bloodshed of Jesus is the foundation of our faith. Without it there would be no atonement or payment for our sins, no salvation, no eternal life…and no power to live victorous against spiritual warfare. So I’m thankful for the blood of Jesus Christ!
I’ll have to tell my husband about your technique, Karen. He is currently in school to become a nurse. Love your triple bypass analogy!
I didn’t know that about Scott, Beckie. Good for him. This has proved to be the best method of drawing blood for me. And several commenters have also mentioned how a nurse or someone told them it works better when hydrated, so drink lots of water. A lady in the lab waiting room told me that once. Wish medical professionals would make the hydration thing part of their patient information when having blood drawn. I, too, find so much to celebrate in knowing there’s a spiritual triple bypass available to anyone who calls on the name of Jesus, accepts Him as Lord, and places their hope in the power of the blood!
I wondered for the longest time why blood was the thing God used to cover our sins. I mean, from an outsiders point of view, it does seem a bit creepy. But knowing that Life is in the blood and sin brings death, it all makes sense now. Not creepy at all, but life giving! We have to make sure people understand that today, since we’re so far removed from those ancient times and customs. You did an excellent job helping us understand. Thank you!
Thanks, Lisa. I like how you reminded us that sin brings spiritual death. That comfirms even more how God laid out a plan for life to be in the blood…not only in our physical bodies (and all creatures), but also in our spiritual man/woman to receive forgiveness and payment for sin and gain eternal life!
Such a great post! Triple-bypass with the Holy Trinity – love it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I truly believe in the power of the blood of Jesus. Blessings upon blessings!
Thank you, Mari-Anna. The spiritual triple bypass has resonated with so many in this post…as it does with me. And grateful for the Lamb who was slain for us! Oh, the saving power of the blood of Jesus! Hallelujah!
As one tiny-veined woman to another, thank you for this, Karen! I am so grateful for the saving blood of Jesus Christ. I used to think his sacrifice was generic, a gift for all mankind, but I’ve come to believe and understand that it is truly personal. He died for everyone, but he also died from me specifically. It is humbling and amazing to think about.
Hi Jessica, kindred spirits AND “tiny-veined” women. 😉 And I love how you made the point about the sacrifice of blood as personal to each of us. While Christ willingly died and shed His blood for “whosoever will,” He intimately had each of us in mind on the cross. It IS humbling and amazing all rolled into one!
Even though I am a little squeamish about blood, I loved this post, Karen. Once, when I had pneumonia, I had to have blood drawn through an artery. Wow! That was painful. I especially appreciated this line: “The blood that flowed through Immanuel’s veins spilled-out on a cross. It cleanses our sins and gives us new life.”
Laurie, I’ve never heard of taking blood from an artery. That does sound painful! I’m forever grateful for Immanuel’s blood saving us, cleasing us, and giving us life. Because life is in the blood!
There is power in the blood! Nothing but the blood! Oh it definitely made me think of those classics hymns like those and one of my other favorites “The old rugged cross” and this filled me with peace in reflecting on how we stand made righteous and redeemed through Jesus blood, sacrificed for us. Also, loved this quote “Our hearts need triple bypass by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; a transfusion with the blood that never loses its power!”
I know, me too, April. I remember singing those hymns in church about the blood of Jesus on the old rugged cross. I pray we always remember the sacrifice of blood made for us…not just when we have the Lord’s supper or at Easter, but often!
Hi Karen. I know what you mean about the blood draws. As a kid I was typically poked numerous times and that carried into adulthood. I remember they had to go through my hand at lease once as an adult, too. Now, later in life, they are much more successful and I’m often out with just one poke. Whew.
I really like this verse that you highlighted: ““He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12).” Jesus sacrificed Himself freely, and not by the butterfly needle. It was much worse, and He knew about it way ahead of time. Praise Him.
Just one poke? Great for you, Stephen. Jesus foreknew He was coming to earth to die for the sins of all mankind. And his pain and suffering was so much worse than anything we’ll ever have to go through. I praise God for the cross, the blood, and the empty tomb!
Oh Karen, my veins are very similar to yours. It’s always a stressful time when blood must be drawn. Unfortunately, I can relate! But your deeper truths about the blood of Jesus were so uplifting! I love your analogy to the triple bypass. Yes! We need every drop of God’s grace through the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I also appreciated how you gathered from the whole counsel of scripture – from the very beginning, our need for a blood sacrifice to cover our sin. Sin is serious. Deadly serious. That’s how holy God is. And His grace, poured out through the blood of Jesus on the cross, covers every sin. When we pause to take this in, it is glorious! Thank you, Jesus!
Appreciate your comment and thoughts, Melissa. Sorry you can relate to trauma with having blood drawn. I like how you said we need every drop of God’s grace. So true…every drop of blood Jesus shed brought power into the spiritual world by providing new life. “Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:11-12).
Amen… nothing but the blood my young friend. I can relate to your blood-giving challenges. More than once, I’ve given up in the ever-trying phlebotomists (after three tries usually) and then ask them to allow me to stick myself. Uncanny perhaps, but I always get myself first stick. I guess I know how “my veins roll.” LOL It’s funny, but we learned this in the Army, so when I run into those that need a little help, I offer my own. As for the strength to clean, prosper, and grow? There’s always going to be just one source my friend. Your post did a fabulous job of making that clear. God’s blessings for your powerful testimony sweet girl.
Gee, J.D., you get to stick yourself? That’s crazy! But sounds like you know what your doing and familiar with your own veins. 🙂 And true, Jesus is the only source to wash away our sins and give us new life!
I had a blood transfusion when I was 13, so I certainly understand the power of blood! It amazes me to this day that someone did the simple act of giving blood — blood that eventually made it into my body and saved me life. I love this connection you’ve made to the saving blood of the Lamb. I’ll have to start using that whenever I tell my own story. 🙂
Wow, Emily. I know a few others who have had blood transfusions too. It really confirms how life is in the blood! And I think that’s great to share your story and use it to lead into your personal testimony about accepting Christ!
Karen, such a powerful post. The blood of Jesus is truly amazing in its power to reach beyond the physical and bring to life our spiritual selves when we accept His sacrifice and gift of salvation.
As for my veins, I am fortunate that I don’t usually have too much trouble when the techs need to draw blood. 🙂
Jeanne, glad for you and your veins. 🙂 And glad the blood of Jesus has saving power and spiritual power to make us new, whole, redeemed and free!
Oh my goodness, Karen. I can so relate to this. I have to go in to get IV infusions for my migraines and they can never find my veins. The only vain that works is the small one in my wrist. (Even the ones on the back of my hands that you can see escape the needles.) Whenever there is a new nurse on duty, they don’t believe me and tell me it’s too small for fluids. Then after an hour of trying to find another vein and failing, they end up going with it. It’s crazy.
But more importantly – I am so thankful for the blood of Jesus!
Heather, I had no idea infusions could help migraines. Yes, your vein story is a bit crazy with using the one on your wrist. The ones on the back of my hand are very prominent and raised up, and have worked every time. Yes! Thank you, Jesus, for your precious life-giving blood!
There’s so much truth we must understand to truly appreciate our salvation, and all of this you shared is part of that significant truth. Hebrews is so rich! Thank you for writing about the importance of Jesus’ blood, and of blood in general in the history of salvation. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. It’s essential.
If you read my post this week on Hebrews, since I’m still on the subject of the high priesthood of Jesus, will you please tag your post in a comment. I would really appreciate it, and your post would provide an additional resource for reading about this important truth.
Hi Melinda, the shedding of blood and particularly the blood of the Messiah is so essential and foundational to our faith. For without the blood of the Lamb and the empty tomb, Christianity would just be another religion. Be glad to add the link to this post in the comments with your post. Looking forward to reading it.
What a great couple of questions, Karen! I had a similar experience to yours in the hospital once after surgery … I can’t even remember how many techs and nurses it took to get a single drop out of blood out of me. Usually though, my problem is getting light-headed and nearly passing out. I’ve learned not to look … the sight of blood coming out of my body gives me the heebie jeebies. 🙂 That said, I’m so thankful to be covered by the blood of Jesus. Wonderful post, my friend.
Thank you, Lois. Oh, I have to look away too. I can’t watch them sticking me or getting blood. I’ve nearly passed out several times, so they had to tilt me back in a chair, and let me sip on juice and sit a while before going on my way after they’re finally successful. It can certainly be an ordeal! Thankful for the blood of Jesus Christ!
My veins are pretty easy for them to use but even then sometimes they still leave me bruised. I love how your story shows us how precious the blood of the Lamb is to us.
Yvonne, it’s amazing to me that even veins easily found and accessed can still cause bruising. Interesting. As I’m sure, Jesus’ body was bruised due to the beatings (some scholars say beyond recognition). To think how Christ willingly took our place to have His body broken and His blood spilled, is the most amazing part of salvation’s story!
I was also told recently that I have tiny veins! I’ve been praying for you to find a publisher. God bless.
I’m sorry you also have to endure the tiny-vein problem in life. And thanks so much for praying for my book, Robin. That is so sweet of you. Appreciate your kindness more than you know.
I can certainly relate to your experience at the doctor’s. I have itty bitty veins that like to hide, too. I have learned to drink a lot of water before I go to the doctor to have blood drawn. It has helped. It seems to widen my veins.
While in the natural realm life is in the blood, but oh how wonderful that there is life eternal in the blood of Jesus!
You too with the tiny veins, uh, Marcie! Water certainly helps. But, like you, oh how I’m thankful for the life in the saving power of the spotless Lamb of God!
Praise Christ-MESSIAH Jesus-Yeshua HE is KING of kings and LORD of lords, HE is the ALPHA and
Yes, Kristi Ann! Praise the King of kings for His blood making atonement for our sins! Hallelujah!
Thankfully I have easy veins for the technicians to draw from. 🙂 I’m thankful that Jesus has easy veins for us too! I love this analogy on the blood, Karen. I’ll be more aware today because of it.
So glad for you, Lisa! Happy veins! 🙂 True, Immanuel’s veins easily gave up blood for me and you! And I am glad!
Hi Karen! Thanks for sharing your tiny veins story — I have them too! Also, thank you for this much needed encouragement on the power of the blood of Jesus. Truly, it never loses its power!
Hey Joy, appreciate you stopping by to leave your thoughts. Tiny veins are not something we celebrate, but we certianly celebrate the powerful blood that flowed through Immanuel’s veins. And not only that…but how it spilled out as an offering to cover our sins and save us!
Great reminder of the power in the blood. I particularly liked the bulletin points about the blood. Thanks for sharing.
Glad this encouraged you. I’m thankful the blood of Jesus:
canceled our sin debt
provided salvation
purchased eternal life
reconciled us to God
recovered everything the enemy stole from us
Hallelujah!
I can TOTALLY relate to the lack of veins!!! And I have to give blood a few times a year! Great word on the triple bypass – God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit!
Melodie, so you’re in the club?! Sorry! Thank you, I’m glad I’ve had the spiritual triple bypass and never need the real one.
Only the BLOOD of Christ-Messiah Jesus-Yeshua can SAVE US!! HE is KING of kings and LORD of lords, HE is the ALPHA and OMEGA, HE is the FIRST and the LAST, HE is the BEGINNING and the END!! Hallelujah and Maranatha PRAISE HIS NAME!!
( Hebrews 12:2 KJV ) “Looking unto Jesus-Yeshua Christ-Messiah the Author and Finisher of our Faith; who for the Joy that was set before HIM endured the Cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the Right Hand of the Throne of GOD.”!!
( John 6:35 KJV ) “And Jesus-Yeshua Said unto them, I AM the Bread of Life: he that Cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that Believeth on ME shall never thirst.”!!
( Hebrews 1:3 KJV ) “Who being the Brightness of HIS Glory, and the express image of HIS person, and upholding all things by the WORD of HIS Power, when HE had by Himself Purged our sins, Sat Down on the Right Hand of the Majesty on High;”!!
( Psalms 27:1 KJV ) “( A Psalm of David. ) The LORD is my Light and my Salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”!!
( Galatians 4:6 KJV ) “And because ye are sons and daughters, GOD hath sent forth the Spirit of HIS SON into your Hearts, Crying, ABBA, FATHER.”!!
Love Always and Shalom ( Peace ), YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann
Yes, thank you, Kristi Ann! Thankful for the blood of Jesus and all these amazing attributes about who He is!
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