#JESUS2020 - Daily DevotionalsSample

Growing up as a child in a traditional church witnessing communion, I was always somewhat puzzled. All these people drinking wine from the same cup (gross!), and all this talk of how it symbolizes the blood of Jesus. I do not know about you, but blood does not have positive associations for me. It reminds me of pain or injuries. Some of you might even feel faint at the sight or thought of blood. And so, I never really understood why the blood of Jesus (let alone drinking it) would be something to celebrate or remember.

But we should not forget that blood represents life: without blood, we cannot live! Throughout the Old Testament, we see that the blood of animals was used to cover up the sins of the Israelites. The offering of these animals made the people “outwardly clean”. Remember how, on the night of the Exodus, the Israelites were to put blood on the doorposts of their houses to protect them from the death of their firstborns? Isn’t it interesting how the blood of a dead animal could bring life? Blood is powerful!

But how much more powerful is the blood of Jesus?! His sacrifice for us, the offering of His blood, forgave all our sins! And when parts of our lives are dead, perhaps in our relationships, our emotions or our faith, it is Jesus who can bring back life in those areas! He wants to take what is dead and bring it back to life again so that we can be free, fresh, strong and live a life of service for God.

So next time you drink that cup of wine during communion, think of all the life it represents and thank Jesus for His sacrifice!

ACTION STEP:

In what areas of life do you need new life again? Pray and ask Jesus to bring back life in those areas so that you can be free, strong and alive to serve God.

‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬Arie Spaanderman, ICF Leiden