There are times when blood is the only thing that will save a life. The recent events in the worst earthquake in Colombia's history has reminded us of this vital fact. Blood is life and without it people will die. As news broke out on Tuesday, I was glued to the television and radio. One city was in complete rubble, without one building left standing. Imagine if the city where you live was leveled!

I am perhaps more in tune with what goes on in Colombia, since it was the place my family and I called home for seven years. I have been in touch with several friends via the wonders of email and they tell me that the "official" count of the dead is 709, with the injured numbering 3,150. Beyond this number are the countless people who are now left homeless. By early on Tuesday, President Andres Pastrana sent out an urgent call to his countrymen to lend a helping hand. Blood donors formed long lines in the capital of Bogota to resupply the diminished blood banks throughout the city. By Wednesday afternoon the Colombian Red Cross stated that they had received enough to supply the need.

As we read the book of Leviticus, we are struck with the great number of sacrifices and what seems to be an never ending preoccupation with blood! There is a key verse in chapter 17. There God says, "For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life."

Without blood, the human being dies.
Without blood being spilt, one dies spiritually as well.
What people need is blood! It gives life.

Peter says, "You were redeemed...with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." (1 Peter 1:19).

Blood. It's the only thing that people really need, isn't it?