A scarlet stream flows through Scripture. It begins at the gates of Genesis and courses through to the end of Revelation.
The stream was set in motion when Adam and Eve sinned at the beginning, and God shed the blood of innocent animals to provide covering for them (Genesis 3:21). Later, God accepted Abelâs blood sacrifice, but Cainâs offering was rejected (Genesis 4:5).
Six centuries passed, and the stream resurfaced when Noahâs first act following the flood was to worship God with the offering of sacrificial animals (Genesis 8:20). Years later, God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son. Even as Abraham lifted the knife, God spared Isaac and provided a ram for the altar instead.
Four centuries passed, and the stream rolled on in the story of Moses. On the night that the Israelites escaped Egypt, the blood over the doorpost of their homes spared their firstborn sons.
To usher in the new covenant, Jesus shed His Blood once and for all. Destined to die from the foundations of the world, He became the scapegoat for our sin, the ultimate and final sacrifice.
Today, we remember that crimson, cleansing tide every time we participate in communion. This, we will do until He comes again. Only then will the scarlet stream reach its final destination.
