Today's Scripture
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Leviticus 13; Hebrews 10:19-39
Believe in the Resurrection – Hebrews 10:19-25
19 Brothers and sisters, we have confidence that we can enter the holy of holies by means of Jesus’ blood, 20 through a new and living way that he opened up for us through the curtain, which is his body, 21 and we have a great high priest over God’s house.22 Therefore, let’s draw near with a genuine heart with the certainty that our faith gives us, since our hearts are sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies are washed with pure water.23 Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable.
24 And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. 25 Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near. (The Common English Bible)
What does this passage mean to me/us? Contributed by Ellen McGimsey
| In the times of the Old Testament after Moses animals without blemishes were sacrificed to make atonement for the people’s sins. There was also a high priest who was the only one who could enter the inner sanctum of the temple (the holy of holies) to communicate with God and intercede for the people. Once Jesus came, was crucified, died and was resurrected, all of this changed. God’s people no longer needed to make animal sacrifices or have an intermediary to communicate with God. Jesus fulfilled those requirements. He was the Lamb without blemish who was slain to atone for our sins once and for all. Through this sacrifice He also functions as our High Priest who intercedes for us and reconnects us with God. Through the shedding of Jesus’ blood and the breaking of His body, we can now, “draw near to the throne of favor with confidence so that we can receive mercy and find grace when we need help.” (Hebrews 4:16 CEB)
Do you approach God with confidence knowing that through Jesus you have the right to do so? Or are you more like the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz as he approaches the wizard stumbling and stuttering? “So let’s do it – full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out.” (V. 22 The Message) The author of Hebrews exhorts us to be confident and claim what Jesus died to give us – a personal relationship with the One who created the heavens and earth, and us! But our instructions from this passage don’t end there. “Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do, but spurring each other on…” (V. 24-25 The Message) Not only are we to be confident and bold in approaching God, but we are challenged to see how many ways we can find to love, encourage, and support each other! During this time of Easter, don’t let Jesus’ sacrifice be in vain. Claim what he died to give you – a direct connection to the Almighty One who longs to be in relationship with you, no matter what your sins, no matter where you are in your spiritual journey. And see how many ways you can find to put your relationship with God into action by loving others as God loves you! |
Prayer
Almighty Father,
I am a sinner. But by Your grace and mercy, You provided The way for me to be forgiven and reconciled to You through the blood of Your precious Son. Move in my heart today to make me bold in approaching Your throne and deepening my relationship with You. Help me to feel Your love and create in me new ideas on how I can show Your love to others, and then embolden me to action.
In Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.
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