Precious Blood

Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow; 
No other fount I know, 
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

What can wash away my sin? 
Nothing but the blood of Jesus; 
What can make me whole again? 
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

I took communion today. And it was amazing.

Not that I haven't taken it many times before. Other times, in fact, I have had grave sin to repent of or deep hurts to release. And, sadly, many more times I took it casually, not even thinking deeply on its meaning.

But today.
I was so excited to find we were going to take communion.
Having repented just that morning to a friend I had wronged, feeling satisfied in Christ and taking this moment very seriously,
I leapt from my seat and grabbed my cracker and juice with a huge smile on my face.

See, just two days ago was Valentine's Day. I've always loved Valentine's Day, even when I was single (like now). I think it's due to my father always giving me something special on the day. And being a teacher only makes it better - parties, cards, candy, cupcakes. It's usually a pretty nice day.

This year was different. Less love from people, yet I was very aware of God's great love for me. This love is incomprehensible. It pierces through my hateful stares, mocking words, and rebellious heart to save me from atop a cross. That broken body is my proof that my Creator, the only true God, the living God, the God of the Bible, loves me. He has and will go to the ends of the earth to love me, to save me. To bring and keep me close to Him.

That's a big deal.

His blood was spilled. It ran down his face, from his hands, his feet, his side. It poured out for me. Over me. To cover me with grace, with forgiveness. With redemption. This blood paid for me.

It's so easy to complain about whatever. It's so easy to wallow in unmet longings, to feel lesser or like we don't measure up... for whatever reason the enemy, the world and our unconformed minds dream up.

But this love. Oh boy! Love shown through a broken body and shed blood. It changes everything. And it has changed everything. Just to sit and think on this love, to linger long with Christ!

The words are true. Oh, precious is the flow. The most precious treasure I have.