WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD

          On Monday, Jews around the world will begin their annual celebration of the Passover.   "It is the LORD'S Passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt" (Exodus. 12:10-13).  When I consider various events recorded in the Bible I often wonder what it would have been like to be present and see them in real time.  But this is one event that I am glad that I did not witness personally.  It was the tenth and final plague and involved the death of the firstborn child as well as the animals in every household in Egypt.  I can't image the wailing and anguish that would have filled Egypt that morning. It must have been horrendous.  But, in His grace, the Lord provided a way to escape the plague. A lamb  "without blemish, a male of the first year," (Exodus 12:5) was to be chosen. At twilight, before the night of the coming judgment, the lamb was to be slain, and its blood applied to the doorposts and lintel of the home (Exodus. 12:6-7).  And those homes were spared the tragic death of the firstborn.  The same is true for us centuries later.  When we put our faith in Christ as Saviour, it is as though His blood is applied to us and, covered by the blood of the Lamb, we are safe from eternal judgment.  There is no other way to escape this judgment.  "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission [no forgiveness of sins]" (Hebrews 9:22).  And it was this event that led to the writing of this week's hymn choice.  There are many questions about the authorship of this hymn.  Some say it was written by John G. Foote.  Others say it was by Foote and E.A.H.  Many believe that E.A.H. was Elisha A. Hoffman (1839-1929) who is credited with writing over 2,000 gospel songs.  But  no matter who actually wrote it, the hymn shares that by His grace Jesus will save even the chiefest of sinners.  When judgment comes, He has promised through his great power, compassion and love to save those whose lives have been transformed by the power of His blood.  Yes, He will pass, He will pass over them.  And for all others, as in Egypt many years ago, they will face eternal punishment and separation from God. And that will be a far worse fate than was suffered by those in Egypt who did not have the blood on their doorpost.  So what will your fate be?  Today you can still choose.  Now I have found that there has been some recent editing of the original words of this hymn and while I personally prefer the original, I will try to share both versions below.  The original will be in bold face type.

(1)    1 Christ our Redeemer died on the cross,

Died for the sinner, paid all his due;

Sprinkle your soul with the blood of the Lamb,

And I will pass, will pass over you.

When I see the blood, when I see the blood,

When I see the blood, I will pass, I will pass over you.

(Christ our Redeemer died on the cross,

Died for the sinner, paid all his due.

All who receive Him need never fear,

Yes, He will pass, will pass over you.)

(2)     Chiefest of sinners, Jesus will save;

As He has promised, that He will do;

Wash in the fountain opened for sin,

And I will pass, will pass over you.

When I see the blood, when I see the blood,

When I see the blood, I will pass, I will pass over you.

(Chiefest of sinners, Jesus will save;

As He has promised, so He will do;

Oh, sinner, hear Him, trust in His Word,

Then He will pass, will pass over you.)

(3)     Judgment is coming, all will be there,

Each one receiving justly his due;

Hide in the saving sin-cleasing blood,

And I will pass, will pass over you.

When I see the blood, when I see the blood,

When I see the blood, I will pass, I will pass over you.

(Judgment is coming, all will be there.

Who have rejected, who have refused?

Oh, sinner, hasten, let Jesus in,

Oh, He will pass, will pass over you.)

(4)     O great compassion! O boundless love!

O loving kindness, faithful and true!

Find peace and shelter under the blood,

And I will pass, will pass over you.

When I see the blood, when I see the blood,

When I see the blood, I will pass, I will pass over you.

(O great compassion! O boundless love!

Jesus hath power, Jesus is true;

All who believe are safe from the storm,

Oh, He will pass, will pass over you.)

Listen to it sung here.    LISTEN