The Flow of Life

Photo by Rahul Sapra

They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented him as the mercy seat by his blood, through faith, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. Romans 3:24-25

How would you like your child’s first words to be “snakes”? I am most grateful that our son’s first words were “lawnmower.” Visiting a snake park in Pretoria, South Africa, years ago, the guide shared with us that some of his first words were snake, and he just loved snakes! I’m not sure of the reason. Tim Friede decided it would be a great but unusual hobby to let venomous snakes bite him, but it turned into a passion.

Friede is a snake enthusiast from Wisconsin and is now the director of herpetology at the biotech startup Centivax. In 2001, he was a truck mechanic when he allowed a venomous cobra to bite him, with the aim of building up his own immunity as he pursued his hobby. He has experienced 200 bites from “all manner of venomous snakes” and injected himself with the venom of 700 specimens.

Friede is a walking specimen for research. Centivax CEO, Dr. Jacob Glanville, was looking for a source of antibodies for broad protection from venom when he told Friede, “I’d love to get my hands on some of your blood.” Out of Friede’s blood, Centivax created an antivenom that offers “unparalleled” protection against 13 lethal snakes and partial protection from six others. According to the report, over 140,000 people die annually from snake bites, and another 450,000 are seriously injured. Centivax could end up dominating the estimated $600 million antivenom market, all because of one man’s obsession with snakes. (info from Holly Van Leuven article)

I’m not a big fan of snake bites, but I’m thankful Friede’s blood can be put to use for the well-being of others. The Cleveland Clinic website describes blood as an essential life force, constantly moving through the body, carrying oxygen and nutrients, and keeping us healthy.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood and or platelets, according to the American Red Cross, supplied by roughly 6.8 million people giving 13.6 million units. That is a lot of blood, considering the average adult carries about 10 pints of blood or 1.3 gallons. Forty-five % of people are O positive or negative, with 7% having O negative blood, which can mix with any blood type. Life is in the blood!

The spiritual parallel is so obvious, having just recently finished celebrating Easter, and in a couple of weeks, Pentecost. Culturally and spiritually, blood has always represented life, sacrifice, and potential for good and evil. We read in Leviticus, “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have appointed it to you to make atonement on the altar for your lives, since it is the lifeblood that makes atonement.” (17:11)

Dr. Henry Morris wrote about the scientific accuracy hidden in the pages of Scripture. “There are many unexpected scientific truths that have lain hidden within its pages for thousands of years only to be recognized and appreciated in recent times. These principles are not expressed in modern technical jargon, of course, but nevertheless are presented accurately and beautifully, indicating remarkable understanding of nature by these ancient authors far in advance of their ‘discovery’ by modern scientists.”

Blood became the symbol of the unique covenant between God and his people. “Moses took the blood, splattered it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you concerning all these words.” (Exodus 24:8)

The gift of blood can tip the scales of life and death. The American Red Cross states that a single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood. Donors willingly lay their arms out in a simple gesture of life as the technician inserts a needle to pull out the necessary blood that will give life to a stranger.

Jesus willingly laid out his arms so that His blood would become life for those not deserving of the gift. Yet it would be willingly given that those who received it would have a total transfusion of life.

“As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take and eat it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them and said, “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. But I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matt 26:26-29)

You may not have been in a car wreck, resulting in a need for a blood transfusion, but all of us have been in a life wreck that, without the blood transfusion of Jesus, we have no chance.

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding.” (Ephesians 1:7-8)

“His Cross is the door by which every member of the human race can enter into the life of God; by His resurrection He has the right to give eternal life to anyone, and by His Ascension our Lord entered heaven, keeping the door open for humanity.” (Oswald Chambers)

God is great!