Evening, November 6, edited from Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening

“Saying, This is the blood of the covenant which God commanded you.” — Hebrews 9:20

There is a strange power about the very name of blood, and the sight of it is always distressing. A kind heart cannot bear to see a sparrow bleed, and unless familiarized by its experience, turns away with horror at the slaughter of a animal. As for the blood of men, it is a consecrated thing: it is murder to shed it in wrath, it is a dreadful crime to squander it in war. Is this solemnity occasioned by the fact that the blood is the life, and the pouring of it forth the token of death? We think so. When we rise to contemplate the blood of the Son of God, our awe is even more increased, and we shudder as we think of the guilt of sin, and the terrible penalty which the Sin-bearer endured. Blood, always precious, is priceless when it streams from Immanuel’s side. The blood of Jesus seals the covenant of grace, and makes it forever undisputable. Covenants of old were made by sacrifice, and the everlasting covenant was ratified in the same manner. Oh, the delight of being saved upon the sure foundation of divine actions which cannot be dishonored! Salvation by the works of the law is a fragile and broken vessel whose shipwreck is sure; but the covenant vessel fears no storms, for the blood ensures its integrity. The blood of Jesus made his testament valid. Wills are of no power unless the testators die. In this light the soldier’s spear on Calvary is a sacred aid to faith, since it proved our Lord to be really dead. There can be no doubts upon that matter, and we may boldly assume the legacies which he has left for his people. They are indeed happy who see their title to heavenly blessings assured to them by a dying Savior. But does this blood not speak to us? Does it not call us to sanctify ourselves to him by whom we have been redeemed? Does it not call us to newness of life, and rouse us to entire dedication to the Lord? Oh, that the power of the blood might be known, and felt in us this night!