A Christian View of 2022 - #30

Have you ever gone on a treasure hunt through the hymns of yesterday?

Buried in the sands of songs that we used to sing is a veritable volume of spiritual themes, sound theology and sacred thought.

I found such - a hymn that has been hidden in the passing of time and the pursuit of the “trendy.”

It is titled: “When I See the Blood”

John G. Foote, pub.1892�alt. by E. A. H., pub.1902

1. Christ our Redeemer died on the cross, �Died for the sinner, paid all his due; �Sprinkle your soul with the blood of the Lamb, �And He will pass, will pass over you.

*Refrain: � “When I see the blood, �When I see the blood, �When I see the blood, �I will pass, I will pass over you.”

2. Chiefest of sinners, Jesus will save; �As He has promised, that He will do; �Wash in the fountain opened for sin, �And He will pass, will pass over you.

3. Judgment is coming, all will be there, �Each one receiving justly his due; �Hide in the saving sin-cleansing blood, �And He will pass, will pass over you.

4. O great compassion! O boundless love! �O loving-kindness, faithful and true!�Find peace and shelter under the blood, �And He will pass, will pass over you.

It is now 130 years old … and for more than half of its life span, I have sung its melody, loved its message and have been anchored in its meaning.

In the Bible, the words surface from the heart of the Sovereign, saving God rescuing His people from Egypt’s bondage.

Exodus 12:13 NLT

But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt.

WHO IS TALKING? “When I see the blood”

Answer: God

It is a Devine declaration of deliverance. A “Death Angel” of judgment, killing the first born, is going throughout the land. Every home, from Pharaoh’s palace to the peasant hut will be in mourning and grief.

The only exception? Those who have sheltered under the blood of the lamb - slain, and whose blood has been applied to the doorposts of the house.

God said: “When I see the blood, I will pass over you”

Ah, rest and revel in that! O, weary Soul, frightened and fleeing from the Father. Your freedom from the burden of sin and bondage of slavery is not conditioned on your good works, on your good behaviour, on your good background - in saving you, God considers neither your character nor conduct. He only takes into account the blood of the Lamb.

He only asks;

1. Has the Lamb shed His blood for your sins?

2. Are you fully trusting in that shed blood for your rescue and safe deliverance?

If, in faith, you say … YES … God’s judgement passes over your life and you escape the pending wrath of God and consequences of sin. It’s that simple, it’s that profound.

The benefits of the Blood are:

A. Guaranteed. This is not religious rhetoric, a denominational doctrine. We do not get to decide the basis of our salvation. It’s not up for debate. God, Himself, has made that eternal determination. We must not, we dare not, add to nor take from the saving power of the blood of the Lamb.

B. Great. The greatness of the salvation is measured by the greatness of our sin and slavery. Egypt’s grip was unbreakable and Pharaoh’s hold was unshakable- except for the Blood of the Lamb.

So, for you and me, except for Jesus, the Lamb of God, and His precious Blood - our rescue would not be possible and our righteousness would be beyond our ability.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to bring it back to sing again, at least for one more time, thus treasured truth and tune.

And yet better still, on the Day of Judgement, to hear God say: “When I See the Blood I Will Pass, I Will Pass Over You.”

Randy B. Leavitt

Pastor