For many years blood banks around the country have utilized the slogan “blood gives life” or “blood is life.” Think about it. When someone loses too much blood, death occurs. If a person receives contaminated blood, there are complications and often death. When some people acquire leukemia, death may come quickly. Life is not viable without blood.

Yet, on the other hand, when blood is given in surgery, life is sustained. When someone receives blood because their hemoglobin is morbidly low, life is restored. When a person receives purified blood through hemodialysis, then life is transformed. The gift of blood is essential for life.

The same is true spiritually. On the night the Hebrew children left Egypt, they first sacrificed a lamb and placed its blood on their doorposts so that the death angel would pass over them. For generations thereafter, on the Day of Atonement, the Israelites sacrificed lambs representing their repentance, God’s forgiveness, and renewed life.

Centuries later, Jesus—The Lamb of God—was sacrificed. When His blood flowed, Christ willingly gave us the gift of life. Yeshua* loved us so much that He didn’t want anyone of us to die, but rather to have life restored through the forgiveness of our sins by His death on the Cross.

As awesome as this is, it isn’t the end of the story. In the midst of disillusionment, darkness and despair, Jesus conquered death. The devil thought he had won … until … that resurrection morning! The grave could no longer hold Him: life triumphed over death.

Hallelujah, Christ arose!

Because of the resurrection, life is transformed.

Even in our world full of war and fear, such as the latest terror attack in Madrid, Adonai is the “Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6) who provides us with “peace that transcends all understanding” (Phil 4:7). Or when Christians are persecuted for the sake of Christ, such as in China and Sudan, then they are “blessed … because great is their reward in heaven” (Mt. 5:10, 12). Or when lies prevail, whether personally, institutionally or nationally, Jesus remains trustworthy because He is “the way, the truth and the life” (Jn. 14:6). Or when darkness dominates, Jesus is “the Light” (Jn. 8:12) and His “word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Ps. 119:105). The resurrection transforms life!

On a more personal level, when sorrow consumes you, the Lord is the “God of all comfort” (II Cor. 1:3) sustaining you through grief. When your resources are limited, Jesus “supplies all of your needs according to His riches in glory” (Phil. 4:19). When you are troubled, God is the “Wonderful Counselor” (Isa. 6:9) who leads you “beside quiet waters” (Ps. 23:2). When you have sinned, you offer your confession to Christ the High Priest (Heb. 4:14) who forgives you. When you are filled with shame, God exchanges it for His grace. The resurrection transforms life!

I remember Molly** who for many years was a prisoner to bitterness because of some horrible things that happened to her. One day, though, she allowed God to help her forgive the offender. Molly literally glowed because she was set free.

Another patient faced many regrets. Peter even thought he was no longer acceptable to God. When he finally realized that God’s love, grace and forgiveness was still available, Peter reconnected to God.

Although Laurel had accepted God’s forgiveness concerning a specific incidence, she lived with shame. When she finally realized God was not using other events in her life to punish her, Laurel was able to exchange her shame for God’s grace.

Another man lost his job and wondered how he would take care of his family. Derek had always trusted God, but this was a challenge. Even so, he remained faithful to the Lord and while Derek was creating a business, God supplied every financial need.

Even when death is lurking, often life is sustained and miracles happen. Look at the NICU, for example. Most of these little ones have insurmountable problems. I remember one very tiny boy who developed “NEC” and it seemed Cole would not live. Amazingly, though, through medical care, love and God’s intervention, he survived. Cole is now at home being cared for by loving parents.

Yet, when death occurs, life is still present: through memories, support and love. Indeed, one’s heart is crushed, but God’s comfort is always available. Even more importantly, because of the resurrection, death does not have the final say. There is the promise of eternal life.

Hallelujah for the resurrection of Christ:
He transforms life!

* Hebrew names for God.
** Names have been changed for confidentiality.

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