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

When James writes his New Testament letter he is concerned that we not be deceived. So, how do we avoid such deception? We hear & believe the Word of God. James writes the following as he begins his letter:

1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

1:4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

1:12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Without the precious Word of God, what would you think when troubles come into your life? I believe you would think that God is angry with you & is judging you. But, with God’s Word we know that trials have a good purpose for believers because God is good. 

1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.

1:14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.

1:15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

1:16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.

1:17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

Never believe that God wants you to fall into sin when a trial comes your way. If you choose to fall, own up to your sin. You are responsible. God the Father only wants good to result from trials for His children because He is always good! 

While Satan tried to destroy Job through trials, God put limits on the Evil One & ended up using Satan’s efforts to instruct Job & work with him for good. 

Never forget Romans 8:28.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.