There is Life in the Blood

No matter how seasoned you may be as a hunter, there is no denying the weight that comes along with the taking of a life. The thing that separates hunting from all other forms of outdoor recreation is the intimacy and empathy required to experience nature to its fullest degree. Unlike birdwatching, hiking, or photography where the individual takes on the role of a passive observer, hunting requires you to not only observe the natural cycles of the world around us, but to actively engage and participate in those cycles. I am a major proponent of everyone pursuing the outdoors through whatever means strikes interest within the heart. I love hiking, boating, camping, and many other forms of exposure to creation, but nowhere do I feel more connected to nature than when I am hunting. This is not a claim that hunting is a better use of one’s time than say... kayaking or mushroom picking, but I will make the argument that hunting more often requires a deeper form of engagement than that of other hobbies.

Hunting is the only form of outdoor recreation where bloodshed is a desired outcome. Hunting is raw, real, and personal. While the thought of such a drastic and intense means to enjoy creation appears harsh, barbaric, or even evil in the eyes of many, there is no denying the truth that hunting requires the spilling of blood. We read in scripture that the life of all creatures is found in its blood (Leviticus 17:14). That should make every hunter pause in reverence anytime we steady the scope or draw an arrow. The goal that all hunters prepare for, seek after, and long to achieve, however frequent or infrequent, is harvest. There is no harvest without the spilling of blood. I think most times those who are opposed to hunting are more fervent in their anger towards the perceived intentions of those who hunt more so than the actual killing of an animal. I can’t deny the fact the hunters, for the most part, are not public relations professionals. We usually fail to communicate our intentions and passions in a way that invites others in and instead we push them away. While I agree that the intentions of some do not align with my personal beliefs, I do think that the vast majority of hunters would answer with me in saying that the biggest reason they became a hunter was simply to provide a food source for themselves and their family. Harvested game brings sustenance to the dinner table and fullness to the hearts and bellies of those who share it together. Simply put, it brings life to the hunter and whoever he or she chooses to share it with. If the spilling of blood leads to harvest and harvest to fullness and life, then it should be safe to assume that the spilling of blood directly leads to fullness and life as well. And that is an honorable and good thing, which I believe can give great glory to God. Let’s draw some parallels with faith and how blood can further give life and give it abundantly.

To better understand what Jesus meant when He said, “...I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10) we should first address what abundance of life looks like to a Christian and what that really means. I do not believe that Jesus’ intention was to promote abundance of wealth or earthly treasures. I think His primary objective was for His audience to see Him as the good shepherd that He truly is. The protector of His people; their greatest joy and treasure. Abundance of life is having access to the Father and knowing Him more fully. That is only available because of Christ and the work completed on the cross. It is because of his spilt blood that we know the Father and have been granted eternal life. We could never earn it. It is a gift that comes through faith in Christ alone. You might be thinking “where does this guy come up with this stuff?” Well, I will show you!

Romans 5:9

“Since therefore, we have been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.”

Ephesians 1:7

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”

Hebrews 13:12

“So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.”

1 John 1:7

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Revelation 1:5

“...To him who loved us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.”

Scripture is soaked with the blood of Christ and what great news that is for us! Without the shedding of blood there would be no life, at least no abundant life. Even the prophet Isaiah said long before Christ’s birth, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5).

So yes, hunting gives me much life, much joy, and much fulfillment! For me, this is only the case because of the grace God extended to me through His Son, Jesus Christ. He provides more life, more joy, and more fulfillment than any hunt ever could. So, while I will not cease to pursue wild game and the inevitable spilling of its blood, I will all the more loudly proclaim that this brings life only because of the blood spilt for me. It covers my soul, makes me white and snow, and imputes righteousness where there was once only sin. Thank you Jesus for your blood and the life it brings!