Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

Uncle Bill's Corner

Peace through the blood of His cross —Col. 1:20

 

Crucifixion was not a death resulting from the loss of blood.  It was intended to be a lengthy, shameful, painful death often from asphyxiation.  There was always some blood involved —the hands & the feet were pierced & often the victim was severely whipped.  However, death from bleeding would have defeated the purpose of execution by crucifixion.  Lifted up, exposed & naked, the victim could not escape nor hasten his death.  His emaciated body loomed upon the horizon as a monument of Rome's displeasure —hour after hour after hour until finally after the last breath he was embraced by death. 

 

However, while God chose crucifixion to be the manner of Messiah's death, Holy God always emphasized blood in an animal sacrifice.  Therefore, the Lamb of God knew a bloody death.  There was the regular shedding of blood in the Old Testament sacrifices, & there was frequently the sprinkling of blood.  Without the shedding of blood there was no forgiveness. 

 

So, the Son of God experienced the intended horrors of the cross combined with an abundant display of blood—His own.  His visage was so marred more than any man, & his form more than the sons of men—Isaiah 52:14.  I believe it is safe to say that the death of the Lord Jesus Christ was the bloodiest death of all who ever went to the cross.  God set Him forth publicly, & He died willingly to bring forth so great salvation for you & me.  He gave His life, what more could He give?  Oh how He loves you.  Oh how He loves me.  Oh how He loves you & me! 

 

No one will ever ask, "Whatever happened to Jesus Christ?"  Everyone who knows any of His history knows that He died on a cross.  Unlike any other, He chose this death, & unlike any other, He chose the timing of His death.  When He had received all the judgment of God for my sin & yours, He released His spirit to His father & bowed His head. 

 

God combined the cross & bloodshed to get what He wanted in the death of His Son! 

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me—John 12:32

The blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all sin—1 John 1:7