1002) I have a confession to make. The few times I watch TV, I occasionally will see the ASPCA commercials with abused and down-and-out animals. When these commercials come on, I quickly change the channel or leave the room. I can’t stand to see these horrific pictures.

This leads me to think that had there been commercials on the Old Testament sacrificial system, (not that there ever would have been) I absolutely wouldn’t want to see them. It is helpful, however, to give some consideration to these practices because the value I place on blood would be so much higher. Blood carries an enormous cost and Paul knew this.

In Romans 12:1, Paul reminds us of the value of blood. He tells us we need to be a living sacrifice to God. This means that our entire lifeline needs to be placed in his hands. This is costly because we are relinquishing control of our decisions and actions, trusting that God will do a better job running our lives.

Blood is costly, therefore valuable.