Recently I have been receiving a number of emails about donating blood. I was able to give platelets a few months ago and apparently I am now on some sort of Red Cross priority list. They keep telling me that O negative blood is in short supply and they desperately need universal donors to give now.

But they aren’t screening their list very well. I am O positive. And since I got my two Covid shots, I can’t give for a few more weeks. But the requests got me to thinking about donating blood.

Hospitals need a good supply of compatible blood on hand so they can be prepared for medical emergencies.  Did you know that our human blood is organized into four groups or types: A, B, AB and O? Apparently each of those letters refer to a kind of protein that is found in red blood cells. Each type is further grouped by its Rhesus factor or RH factor. This is another kind of protein or antigen that can be Rh positive or Rh negative. Apparently 85% of all Americans have Rh positive blood.

So, when you need blood they will “type and cross” your blood to make sure you get the right blood product so your body does not reject that life-saving liquid. But interestingly, O negative blood is considered the universal donor because it can be donated to people of any blood type.

I share all those details about blood because some of us are needing a major transfusion about now. We have been hassling the pandemic for a full year and it is getting very old. Whether we have lost a job, irritated some friends, or abandoned our vacation plans, we all need some replenishment.

So, let’s all stop this week and think about how the person who is the universal donor (with O negative blood) is a picture of the redemptive role of Jesus Christ. His love meets everyone’s need and He is fully compatible with us all!

“And so, we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love, lives in God and God in them” (I John 4:16).

Easter is just four weeks away and our minds should be focused on Him and the amazing love that held Him on that cross. He gave Himself to save drug addicts and whining mother-in-laws. He sacrificed for the cleaned-up housewife and the strung-out business man. His love covers the ugliness of my sin and yours.

He is the universal donor and I have His blood applied to my account. On my record, it reads, “Paid in full. It is finished.” Wow.

So, let’s praise the Lord for His sacrifice on our behalf. He is the donor. We are the very grateful recipients. “Behold (Stop. Pay attention. Sit up and notice.) what manner of Love (what kind of compassion and care He is wanting to share) the Father has lavished on us (poured it on thick)…” I John 3:1.