Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.Matthew 26:27-28
Wine is used to bless things. Part of that is the mysteriousness of its nature. How is it that old grapes could be crushed and the juice left in a vat for months, only to come out delicious and even safer to drink than water in a pre-filter era? Like honey, it was seen as God’s good gift, and often represented a life of joy.
Perhaps this is why Jesus chose wine to communicate the salvation he offers. On that Friday centuries ago Jesus was crushed and his blood poured forth like wine from a cup. It seemed the end. But God works mysteriously. In that blood there was power, the power to forgive sins, the power to forge a new covenant with all people based on grace, forgiveness and faith. It is something God alone can provide.
We confess a belief in abundant life, life everlasting, a life that God alone can provide. But the only way into this abundant life, the only way into this new covenant, is through the shedding of blood, the surrender of life.
What does it mean to die to yourself? Where do you struggle to surrender to God?
Pray for God’s forgiveness. Pray to surrender your life to God.
Creator, Creature, Collards 