February 23, 2024
Read Leviticus 10, Psalm 54, Hebrews 10
What is something that you have done once that you plan to never do again? Ride a rollercoaster, file your own taxes, try brussel sprouts, or take a trip to a city or location. As we have been reading through the chapters in Leviticus and Hebrews it discusses a lot about the sacrificial system in the Old Testament. Over and over, the priests would have to perform the sacrifices before the Lord for the people of Israel. The author of Hebrews makes us glad we are living in the New covenant times and that we have Jesus who made the ultimate sacrifice once for all. “For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. 2 If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshippers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins” vv. 1-2. The author tells us plainly, “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” v. 4. The sacrificial system only temporarily covered the sins of the people.
The last half of Hebrews 10 is instructions for the church to persevere. There are great instructions in these verses that true follower of Jesus cannot ignore. There are three exhortations that all begin with “let us….” First, “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” v. 22. Our first goal is to work on our walk with the Lord and our goal is to have a close relationship with God. When we do this, it brings about the assurance of faith in us that we can confidently live for the Lord. Second, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” v. 23. We must look ahead in hope that comes from trusting God and his promises. Next, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds” v. 24. Our jobs as brothers and sisters in Christ is to encourage and push other Christians to continue walking with the Lord and it is all about our actions.
The author gives one admonishment to his readers also, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” v. 25. We are not to neglect the church, (not the building), but the people who gather. We are to encourage one another and for good reason, one day Jesus will return.
What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
Add your thoughts below.
DId God Really Say... 