At some point in time you have probably heard the phrase “blood is thicker than water.” The context of the meaning, the way we use it today, is blood-related family is more important than anyone else. Throughout time this phrase has lost its original covenant meaning which is, the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water in the womb. Meaning, the ones I’m in covenant with are to be considered of more value than the relationship with a brother I may have shared the womb.
God has been in covenant with his people from the beginning of time. God made a covenant with Noah never to destroy the earth with water again. God made a covenant with Abraham that He would give him a land for his descendents to come. And God has made a covenant with you and I. Ephesians 2:11-13:
Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
I’m thankful that God robed Himself in flesh and shed His blood so I can be in covenant with Him. I now have a promise and hope in this world.
I heard a story of a man who was battling cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy treatments via IV. One day the IV port became dislodged and chemo got on his skin. It immediately damaged his flesh and he had to seek treatment at the hospital. While the doctor was cleaning up the wounds the man asked, “How can a medication that is suppose to be saving my life do so much damage to my flesh upon contact?”
No matter what you are facing in life remember that “blood is thicker than water!”
Les Cotton is the Pastor of Student Ministries at Apostolic Life in Urbana, IL. He and his wife, Emily, are also the pastors of the Mandarin language ministry and directors of Elevate Campus Ministry where they oversee weekly Bible studies at the University of Illinois and Parkland College campuses.