What is the Present Value?

Our pastor likes to ask men in their ordination exams this question: What is the present value of the blood of Jesus in your life?

Here's my answer this week.

I have spent the last week being short with my kids: barking commands at them and getting easily frustrated with them. Yes, there's an element of PMS, but it doesn't excuse my sin. I was feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of moving, getting dates set, not getting as much time with Colin, and so on. You've all had busy times in your lives and (more than likely) my female readers can relate to how hormones can heighten the intensity of said situations.

But guilt was mounting, when I would let myself think about it. I found myself looking for an escape, rather than face and confess it. You know, sometimes I feel like such a fool, constantly apologizing to my kids for my harsh words and actions. Anger rears it's ugly head quickly when things aren't going my way! Yet despite my embarrassment, I cling to the hope that as we talk they're learning that we never outgrow our need for Jesus's blood, the forgiveness of sin. And that we can rely on God to transform us as we walk with Him, because He loves us very much.

The present value of the blood of Jesus in my life is very, very high! I cannot live without it. Without it I have nowhere to turn but my own deeds, and my deeds are evil - even my attempts at good are tainted with sin. But God is in the business of redemption, transformation, and hope. This morning, I was reminded in a friend's status update on Facebook: we are God's workmanship (poema) created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (Thanks, Jodi!)

The blood of Jesus reminds me of the depth of God's love. In the last couple of months, I've asked God a few times that He would help me to better understand that He loves me. It's happening! Sermons I'm hearing, books I'm reading, and Scripture on which I'm meditating are melting my hard heart to receive and rest in God's love. From that place of security and peace, knowing that Jesus blood has made our relationship right, I can freely pursue obedience without fear, because I want to love my Father back.

I'll leave you with the lyrics to a song by Andrew Peterson, All You'll Ever Need. (Get your hands on his album 'Resurrection Letters' if you can.) This song ministered to my spirit last night as I swept my kitchen floor and cried tears of joy and thankfulness. I'd like to call it a "weep and sweep." Very therapeutic.

The blood of Jesus, it is like the widow’s oil: it’s enough to pay the price to set you free. It can fill up every jar and every heart that ever beat. When it’s all you have it’s all you’ll ever need.

The blood of Jesus, it is like the leper’s river, running humble with a power you cannot see. Seven times go under, let the water wash you clean. Only go down to the Jordan and believe. Only go down in the Jordan and believe.

And I need it, I need it. The closer that I grow, the more I come to know how much I need it.

The blood of Jesus it is like Elijah’s fire, falling on the altar of your faith. All the wisdom of the world could never conjure up a spark, but no power of Hell could ever quench this flame. No power of Hell could ever touch this flame.

And I need it, I need it. The closer that I grow, the more I come to know how much I need the blood of Jesus.

The blood of Jesus, it is like the widow’s oil: when it’s all you have it’s all you’ll ever need.
It is all you’ll ever need.

What is the present value of the blood of Jesus in your life today?