Welcome to Hank’s Place – 258
The writer of Hebrews penned an awesome letter – to, take a guess – Hebrews. Hebrew Christians specifically! Reminding them of their Old Covenant, and point by point revealing to them how much BETTER the New Covenant is. Urging them not to go back but to hold fast to the new and live in it daily.
Chapter 10 begins with the sacrifice of Christ; His precious blood given for a NEW covenant. Vs 19 declares Jesus’ blood gives us CONFIDENCE to enter the HOLY PLACES! The holy place, reserved for priests, and the Holy of Holies reserved for the High Priest only — once a year allowed into God’s Presence!
Jesus’ sacrifice is the ‘new and living way’ we enter in. Vs 19. Next verse states Jesus is our eternal High Priest. No need to fear, “did we get it right” or “is our sacrifice acceptable?” It’s JESUS’ sacrifice who opened the way, and the way is always open. Message Bible says, “It was a perfect sacrifice – by a perfect person – to perfect some very imperfect people.”
In light of the way into God’s presence being been opened to us by Jesus, the writer gives us 3 admonitions.
Vs 22 – Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. The Message says, “full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going.” We CAN commune with God. Pray with confidence! Let’s do it! Don’t whimper and apologize for your existence when you do.
Vs 23 – Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. Meaning what? God is trustworthy. His promises are all true. And He always keeps his word. Wait for His promises to come to pass. Don’t give up on them. Or God!
Vs 24 – Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. Again from the Message, “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, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” Provoking others to LOVE rather than envy and jealously. Sounds like a God plan, doesn’t it?
TODAY, let’s take advantage of the open door to the Throne of Grace! Without self-consciousness! Let’s keep hope alive, and encourage other Christians — to COME ALIVE!
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