As the blood from an unknown donor slowly drips into the central line in Justin’s chest, we pass the hours with snacks, video games and silent prayers. Although I am extremely grateful for donated blood cells which are helping to save his life, I am asking God to protect Justin’s body from any negative side affects.

As I watch blood flow down from the IV bag, I can’t help but think of another blood sacrifice made. Blood that flowed down from our perfect substitute, not for the purpose of saving our earthly bodies. But to save our souls.

An old hymn keeps playing in my mind:

There is a fountain filled with blood
drawn from Emmanuel’s veins;
and sinners plunged beneath that flood
lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains,
lose all their guilty stains;
and sinners plunged beneath that flood
lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see
that fountain in his day;
and there may I, though vile as he,
wash all my sins away.
Wash all my sins away,
wash all my sins away;
and there may I, though vile as he,
wash all my sins away.

E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream thy flowing wounds supply,
redeeming love has been my theme,
and shall be till I die.
And shall be till I die,
and shall be till I die;
redeeming love has been my theme,
and shall be till I die.

No matter what happens today or the rest of my life, my soul is secured by my faith in the blood-bought redemption of Jesus. And, though he is very young, I have seen evidence of this same faith in Justin’s little life. This is my constant prayer for him, even more so than healthy blood cells. And for my other boys as well.

For, in eternity with Jesus, there is no cancer. No pain, no fear, no death. Because God is there, only GOOD abounds. Grace be with you, my friends.