June 11, 2025 | Be God's Family
Without the Shedding of Blood
Scripture: Hebrews 9:16-22(NIV)
16 In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, 17 because a will is in force only when somebody has died; it never takes effect while the one who made it is living. 18 This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood. 19 When Moses had proclaimed every command of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. 20 He said, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.” 21 In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. 22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
Devotional
Many years ago, I lived in Israel for a summer with some of my college students. We were assigned to three northern kibbutzim close to the Jordan River; during weekends, we toured many historical and religious sites. It was here that I developed a love for the Jewish culture and its people. On my kibbutz, we learned Jewish songs, watched several bar and bat mitzvahs, ate Shabbat meals, and attended worship services. Years afterward, I was able to continue my love for this Jewish culture by singing in several “High Holy Day” services at Hebrew congregations in Indianapolis. From these wonderful experiences, I learned more about Jewish teachings, especially on sin atonement from the Old Testament.
In today’s passage, the writer reminds us that the first testament (Levitical Order of the Priesthood) was made through the blood of “calves and goats” when the Priest would enter the Holiest of Holies and atone for the sins of the people by sprinkling this blood on the altar. Doing so, the Priest would tell them, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep” (20). In Jewish services today, they do not sacrifice animals on any altar, but they still blow the Shofar (long horn from ram) as a reminder of this call to repent of sins.
For Christians, though, a physical blood sacrifice is no longer needed because of the New Covenant or Testament. “The blood of Jesus Christ is the blood of the everlasting Covenant” (C.H. Spurgeon). It displayed the supreme love of God to us and confirms His faithfulness. “There can be nothing lacking for a soul redeemed by Christ between here and heaven; for He that spared not his own Son” (Spurgeon).
“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Heb. 9:22). In the Old Testament, it was the physical blood of animals that was used to “make an atonement for the soul” (Lev 17:11). However, in the New Covenant, to commune with God, we must be atoned of our sins, and that atonement must be made by [Jesus’] blood (Spurgeon).
Robert Lowry, the 19th century Baptist preacher and hymn writer, penned these words which we still sing today: “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
Hallelujah! Jesus’ blood fulfilled God’s sacrificial requirement once for all! How are you showing your love and gratitude to God in your service for Him?
Prayer: Thank You, Dear Lord, for Your precious blood which You spilt on the cross for my salvation, and now I have a future in Heaven forever with You. Amen.
Poem
Last Will And Testament
Exodus 24
“…they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed…” Exodus 24:5b
The doctor said,
“The cancer’s back”
Her posture straight
I catch her eye
“Now it’s okay,
I thought it so”
With smile on face
She bravely waves,
We hold each other
To the door
And tuck ourselves
Inside the car
She looks at me
“Are you okay?”
I take her hand
We drive away
I’m taking care of Mother
She’s taking care of me
The nausea comes
The taste buds fade
Her mouth is dry
Her legs are weak
She clings to me
And sings her love
She makes a joke
We laugh then cry
I change her bed
I wash her face
She sleeps a lot
I wait for what
I know will come
She calls my name
I lift her head
She strokes my face.
I’m taking care of Mother
She’s taking care of me
The sleep is short
She’s restless now
She asks, “How long?”
I know not how
To truly share
The burden she
Alone must bear
She shares her faith
She speaks her doubts
Sometimes she’s clear
Sometimes a cloud
Gives shelter in
These desert days
And she flies back
To yesteryears
Of youth and song
Of dance and love
I’m taking care of Mother
She’s taking care of me
One night I snuggle
Up to her
Her breathing’s rough
I hold her close
I whisper in
Her nearest ear
“I love you so,
I’ll miss you more.”
Though through the day
No hint of knowing
Her hand moves up
To touch my hair
And memory takes me
To the days of
Brushing, curling and
Caressing
I’m taking care of Mother
She’s taking care of me
She stays alive
‘Til morning dawns
Giving me the rest
I’ll need for
Future chores
Of caskets, flowers
Greetings and tears
Of memories
Of all my years
Of all she alone
Could tell
Now silenced
Carried in her breast
We sing a song
My sister and I
We hail the day
Our Mother died
I’m taking care of Mother
She’s taking care of me
Decisions she
Took on for me
And spared my
Energy; So now
The grave is dug
I throw the dirt
A place of solace
On the hill.
I sit and thus
Receive her care
In music, hymn
And every word
Becomes a
Ministry of grace
From Mother’s heart
Into my soul
I’m taking care of Mother
She’s taking care of me
We clean her house
The will is read
Her precious items
She gives away
Freely, freely
We are rich
With land and treasures
Telling stories past.
I walk the land
Up to the hill
Her stone is etched
With dates. Untold
Her love for me
Her tender care
I’ll pull the weeds
‘Til I lie there
I’m taking care of Mother
She’s taking care of me
