After many minutes of waiting, I finally stood in front of the cashier at the UCSD bookstore. I was thinking about how much money I would have to spend for my textbooks - lots - when the cashier told me the cost. I opened up my checkbook and flipped through all the carbon copies - flip, flip, flip... all the way to the end. "Uh-oh," was my audible reaction. I HAD NO MORE CHECKS IN MY CHECKBOOK!! -- and, sadly enough, not enough cash in my wallet to cover the cost. I was really, really embarrassed.

I told the cashier rather sheepishly that I had no more checks, and then I heard a male voice say, "Hey, Mary Ann." I looked up to see a friend I hadn't seen since first quarter of freshman year. I said hello, and then the cashier pulled my attention back. He was asking me if I wanted him to hold the book until I could get some money. I was so embarrassed I just agreed to whatever arrangement he made (even though I very well knew that my bank was too far away to get money at and actually come back). So then I told my friend about how I had no money, and he quickly said, "I'll write you a check." I hesitated but didn't refuse him. Embarrassment was quickly replaced by relief.

Essentially, he was telling me "I've got you covered."

That statement is very interesting. It reminds me of another statement. A phrase seen in some praise songs that are sung in Christian churches. "Your blood has covered me..." That one. Such an odd statement. (If you're not a Christian, aren't you wondering, "Why in the world would I want blood to cover me?") But that statement and the one my friend made are parallel. The day where I am to be judged will be like me getting up to the "Cashier" and realizing there's no check I could ever write that would cover the cost of my sins, which would keep me from getting into Heaven... but then Jesus is the Friend who has already come along and said, "I've got you covered." His blood has covered me. I didn't hesitate when I realized He was making me such an offer. Hell-escaped horror was so quickly replaced by peace.

"...but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because He always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest meets our need - one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens." Hebrews 7:24-26

He is permanently our connection to God. He saves completely. He lives to intercede for us... always. It's such an incredible thought, and I just have to marvel at it... Over and over again I am floored by His great love and my unworthiness...

Spend some time reflecting on Jesus' blood. Reflect on what He has done for you. If there's any Friend that you could ever want, it would be Him to say to you, "I've got you covered."

Will you accept this offer or do you hesitate?