Grains of Sand

Google Images The rules were clear for the fledgling nation of Israel. God’s people were not to eat the blood of any animal. To do so brought swift and sure punishment (Leviticus 17:10). The blood was sacred because of what it symbolized. “ For the life of the 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). These Old Testament sacrifices foretold of One who would make the ultimate sacrifice; whose blood would atone for our sins once and for all time. As we come to another Good Friday and Easter we remember that without the shedding of that blood, there would be no forgiveness. We remember “ …the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin ” (1 John 1:7). As I thought about these verses from Leviticus this morning, an old hymn came to mind. What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of ...

Google Images In 1876, Robert Lowry wrote this well-known hymn: 1. What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Refrain Oh! precious is the flow That makes me white as snow; No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus . 2. For my pardon, this I see, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; For my cleansing this my plea, Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 3. Nothing can for sin atone, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; Naught of good that I have done, Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 4. This is all my hope and peace, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; This is all my righteousness, Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 5. Now by this I’ll overcome— Nothing but the blood of Jesus, Now by this I’ll reach my home— Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 6. Glory! Glory! This I sing— Nothing but the blood of Jesus, All my praise for this I bring— Nothing but the blood of Jesus. The last two stanzas are unfamiliar to me—cut out of most...