Colossians 1:19-23 – “For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight — 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.”  NKJV

Although it may not be popular in some circles to talk about the shedding of blood and the Cross upon which Jesus died.  That message is the central part of the Gospel and cannot be eliminated. 

We discover in Hebrews 9:22 – “And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.” NKJV.  In Acts 20:28 we read, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”  NKJV.  There are many other references including Romans 3:23-25, 5:8-11, and Revelation 1:5-6 which reference the blood that purchased us from the clutches of sin. 

The fact remains that the Ultimate Sacrifice for the sin of mankind was the blood of Jesus and it was shed on the cruel cross.  In His Virgin birth, Sinless life, Sacrificial death, Supernatural resurrection, Divine ascension, and Definite return, He has Purchased our salvation.  He suffered for us that we might live for Him and have Abundant Life, Eternally!

            We can never forget the Cross and dare not forget the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus.  We dare not forget the price He paid to redeem us from the bondage of sin and the ownership of the devil.  Through the Cross, he transferred us from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Light.  If we always hold before us the Cross and what He did, we will find ourselves much less likely to succumb to temptation and more likely to remain Thankful and live with an Attitude of Gratitude walking in victory. 

His blood makes our souls spotless and as clean as the pure driven snow.  Though our sins are as scarlet they shall be white as snow is the promise of Scripture.  That blood, that cross, that sacrifice brings us a Peace which Passes All Understanding and causes us to Rest in a way that cannot be explained and virtually impossible to adequately describe. 

If you are struggling today, remember the Cross and I believe it will give you the encouragement to rise up and run to Him.  In His arms, you will realize not only Peace but the Power of His Grace to overcome! 

May you enjoy the blessings of the LORD as you embark on today’s journey in Jesus!