Missionaries have worked in Africa long before I set foot on the continent. This true story was recounted to me. There was someone in urgent need of a blood transfusion. While searching for possible donors, an African was asked if he would donate his blood. He responded by saying, “Yes.” Please realize that he was completely unaware of this common procedure. It was only after he had given his gift of blood that the medical personnel came to find out something that amazed and humbled them. Here is what the man was mistakenly thinking when he agreed to give –I give my blood and then I die! Do you see how his gift of blood differed from all the other donors?
Down through time, many have given sacrificially – even with their own blood. Firemen, coastguardsmen, soldiers, mothers and the list goes on and on of givers who have given their lives for others. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
However, there was one gift that rivals them all. It is so far beyond ability to adequately express that Paul wrote, “Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15). This giving was a gift of blood, but unlike the high priest of the Old Testament system who would yearly offer “blood not his own” (Hebrews 9:25), Jesus gave his own blood for humanity.
We must understand, though, that this gift of blood differs from all other donations. You see, “all [humans] have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Jesus was tempted “in all points like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). His gift was sinless blood. That was the purchase price for the church (Acts 20:28).
[Editor’s Note: Usually when discussing “giving,” money is the topic under consideration. However, this article puts all aspects of giving into proper perspective irrespective of whether discussing material wealth, one’s time, the investment of oneself or anything else. ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]
