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 NIV
We purchased a retractable leash. It was pouring rain and we stood dry on the porch while Mallory wandered around in the yard getting soaking wet. It was a win-win situation. Everyone was happy until a squirrel ran by and Mallory gave chase.
The leash flew out of my hand and we saw it and Mallory turn the corner a block away. Several minutes later she was charging up the alley and through our back yard. I tried to grab the leash and it cut through my finger as Mallory rushed by without slowing. Finally, tired, panting and limping, (Mallory, not me) she returned home. My finger and her paw were bleeding but I could tell the adventure had been well worth it.
When we sinned in the Garden of Eden, blood had to be shed for forgiveness to be given. A life for a life. Our scripture verse in Leviticus tells us that the life is in the blood so God sacrificed an animal to clothe us and cover our sin. Hebrews 9:22 states, “And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness”.
Sacrifices for sin had to be continuously repeated until Jesus came and willingly shed his own blood for the sins of the world. I Peter 3:18 puts it this way, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.
Our life is in the blood but not just our blood. Our life is in the blood of the perfect sacrifice, the Lamb of God. He shed his own blood that our sins might be covered. We also have been made alive in the Spirit. Alive, whole and forgiven because of Christ’s precious blood. Thank him for His sacrifice today.
Just Another Dog Devotion 