But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13
Many of the people in the Bible have names that are very appropriate to their character or to their accomplishments. But there are some glaring exceptions, none more glaring than Absolom, a son of King David. Absolom’s name means ‘father of peace’, and that should have been a good name for one born into such a family. But Absolom knew little of peace, and died ingloriously in a rebellion of his own making. At one point in his life, Absolom was living in exile because of the rash slaying of his brother Ammon. Although there was a measure of reconciliation, Absolom never did return to his father’s house and table. Perhaps if he had, he might never have rebelled. But he despised his father’s rule and avoided his father’s presence. That reminds us of ourselves before we were saved. That all changed when the blood of Christ brought us into the Father’s bosom.
Blood was very important to the Israelites as they would seek to worship God. Only after bringing his offering to the tabernacle or temple, and seeing its blood shed, would an Israelite be comfortable in God’s house. Blood was sprinkled on the instruments of worship in that house before the priests could function. That was especially true as the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement. Only after he returned from sprinkling blood on the mercy seat could the high priest go out and bless the people. That was a moment of rejoicing as the people were brought near to God. Just like we rejoiced when we first appreciated the value of the blood that was shed for us at Calvary. We were brought nigh. But we should remember that it is the same blood of Christ that keeps us nigh and maintains our appreciation of being nigh.
Does the blood of Christ have anything to do with our daily lives? Consider the high priest of old. When he was ceremoniously sanctified, he had the blood of the sacrifice applied to his ear, his thumb and his toe. And that blood would remain there all that day, a reminder to him of his sanctification. Like the blood on the ear of the high priest, the blood of Christ should affect the things we hear, the people we communicate with today, because ears that are marked by holy blood ought not to receive unholy words. Like the blood on the thumb, the blood of Christ should affect everything that we do, because hands that have been marked with holy blood ought not to be used for unholy purposes. Like the blood on the great right toe, the blood of Christ should affect where we go today, because feet that are marked by holy blood ought not to travel to unholy places.
The same precious blood that has brought us near to God will keep us near to Him as we keep that blood in remembrance today. – Jim MacIntosh