But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have become near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13
A sandugo or blood compact is a ritual of tribes where they cut their wrists and harvest their blood into cups. The parties involved then drink each other’s blood to signify friendship or a pact.
Blood compact was conducted between Malay tribes in the Philippines and the Spaniards. In 1565, Datu Sikatuna of Bohol shared his blood to known Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez De Legaspi. Portuguese stalwart Ferdinand Magellan shed his blood with the chieftain of Cebu, Rajah Humabon, in 1521.
Jesus’ blood was shed for our redemption and we drink His blood in the sacrament of eucharist as a blood compact. And in this blood compact, only one side shared His blood. We did not have to share our blood. His blood is enough. When Jesus shared His blood for us, He has friendship in mind. We were far off from God, however, through this blood compact we became near to God. We who were foreigners became citizens through Jesus’ blood compact. God came near, so we can come near to God. A relationship is borne out of Jesus’ blood compact between the Maker and His creations.
We enjoy God’s presence because of Jesus’ blood.
God is with us and we are with God by the blood of Jesus.
By the blood of Jesus, we are friends with God.
May we remember always through His blood, we are near with God.
HEADWIND CANOE 