June 9th, 2018

The Power of the Blood

“The Lord said, ‘What have you done?  Listen!  Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.”  Gen. 4:10

The passage in Gen 4:1-10 illustrates the power and significance of the blood.  We find in the first five verses that Eve gave birth to two sons, Cain and Abel.  Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a tiller of the ground.  The sons brought an offering to the Lord: Cain’s offering was from the ground and Abel’s was the firstborn of his flock.  The Lord respected Abel and his offering, but not Cain’s.  Cain became angry and his countenance fell.

There is so much in these verses – for now we can summarize:

• Cain’s offering was from the ground he tilled – an offering of self-righteousness that was rejected by the Lord;
• Abel’s offering was from the sheep he tended – and offering of the first and finest of the flock and a blood sacrifice that was accepted by the Lord;
• Cain became angry and his demeanor changed – sin enters into the picture!

Verses 6-10 continue as the Lord asks Cain a question that He knows the answer to.  The Lord warns Cain about sin just waiting for him.  This doesn’t sit well with Cain, and at some point Cain kills his brother, shedding his blood.  Again, the Lord asks Cain a question He knows the answer to.    And then in verse 10 we read, “What have you done?  The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.” 

Anger had grown into resentment and then into violence and murder.  The blood of Abel had a voice that the Lord could hear – it spoke!  God cursed Cain, leaving him as a vagabond and fugitive, according to verse 12. 

 Lev. 17:11 it states, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is blood that makes atonement for your souls.”   These Old Testament examples point to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, whereby His blood made the atonement for our sins, and we could receive the gift of life everlasting, if we believe and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives.    If there are broken relationships – plead the blood.  If peace is needed, apply the blood.  If closeness to God is desired, plead the blood.  When we apply the blood of Jesus Christ, we are applying life-giving power to situations we face.