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1 John 1:7 – Giving Blood
A feminine voice spoke into my answering machine, “we need your type to be donated due to a current shortage.” I am B positive – not the rarest, nor the most common. Being civically minded, I drove from East Boca to West Boca through a torrential storm. They closed at 5:00 PM, so I went hurriedly yet cautiously.
Traveling in rain is never safe: slick conditions and bad drivers!
Whew! I arrived at 4:59 PM, barely missing an accident, grabbed my umbrella, ran out into the hard pouring rain, opened the clinic door…they asked if they could help me. In reality, they were not going to help me, I was here to help them. After all, they called me! But I didn’t say that. I relayed the message left on my answering machine. They didn’t want my blood. Well, they didn’t want it right then. It was inconvenient. After all, they closed at 5:00 PM. I knew that. I had called to check. I told them I got here at 4:59 PM. They told me to come back another time – and next time get there at least 30 minutes before closing time!
Miffed is not how I felt. I was angry. I also felt misled. Apparently there either was not a severe shortage, or these workers did not want to be inconvenienced. Or both. I staved off an accident, got wet, and wasted gas to give blood, not to mention my allergy to needles and pain! But they did not want my blood. I hope no one died due to a shortage of B positive blood. I have not let this bad experience keep me from giving blood – it is a needed and simple act of kindness.
What’s the spiritual lesson? Jesus came to give blood. It does not matter what “type” because it gives life, eternal life, to those who receive it – the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 Jn.1:7).
For some, its not a convenient time. Others are more blunt – they simply are not interested. Many don’t even believe it can give life.
Jesus “got a call” and answered it. He gave His blood. Have you received it?
Just the other day I got a call asking me to donate some blood….I’m glad Jesus said yes!
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