Forever Stamps and the Blood of Christ
Ponder: Jesus’ blood never loses its power.
Scripture: “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:2, NKJV).
First class postage increased by one cent as of January 22. Of course I bought a roll of “forever stamps” a few days before the price hike. I didn’t need them yet, but I couldn’t help myself; thriftiness is hardwired into my DNA!
Forever stamps have no denomination printed on them such as 44 cents or 45 cents; a forever stamp is good for up to one ounce of first-class mail, regardless of the postage rate whenever it is  used.
By paying most of my bills electronically, I contributed to the lowering of mail volume which resulted in the rate increase. The postal service will likely raise prices again before I use all 100 stamps. But each one will still be good for one ounce, even if the rate goes to 50 cents or more.
Let’s compare and contrast forever stamps with the blood of Christ. First, as paying bills electronically led to a postage rate increase, our sins made Jesus’ blood necessary if we are to have eternal life. I know, Jesus died for us before we was ever born; but God, in His infinite foreknowledge, knew we would sin and need the blood of Christ. He planned for our salvation from all eternity (Ephesians 3:11).
However, whereas I purchased the roll of forever stamps, salvation by the blood of Christ is a free gift. “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23b).
Like forever stamps, Jesus’ blood retains its value. While postage rates may rise, the cost of sin remains constant: “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). But we are cleansed continuously by His blood as we walk in the light (1 John 1:7). We are cleansed and forgiven through “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19). “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood . . . be glory and dominion forever and ever” (Revelation 1:6, 7).
Thank God for the Forever Blood of Jesus!
Song: What Can Wash Away My Sin?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank and praise You for the blood of Jesus that never loses its power, but washes us continually as we walk in His light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Joe Slater (Justin, TX)