Devotionals

44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

I think this passage comes down to this: when you give, where is your heart? Are you hoping to gain recognition as a big giver – like a performing arts center recognizes different levels of giving and lists names in programs? Are you giving out of your excess – after all of your other expenses are met? Or are you putting your giving into your budget first, and then working around that? Are you giving sacrificially? Think about what your heart says about your giving: is it enough? Is it too much? What is your motivation? Are you trying to earn God’s favor? Or are you thanking God for the favor already received? Apply these questions not only to your financial gifts, but also to the time you give and the use of your talents for the church. The church is probably not the only organization to which you give; what is the main focus of your giving and why?

 11 Day after day every priest stands and performs  his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God …

The author of Hebrews is talking about sacrifices and sins, but appears to be contrasting two priests when discussing sacrifices and sins.  Priest #1 [verse 10] – the ones who stand all day.  What are they attempting to accomplish?  How is it working out for them?  Priest #2 [verse 11] – How is the functioning of this Priest different from Priest #1?  

12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool.14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

Review Monday again.  In Hebrews 10:12-13, we are talking about Priest #2 – our precious Jesus!

Priest #1 is standing all day offering sacrifices.  The sacrificial system was a constant reminder to the Israelites of their sin and the continued need for forgiveness … a ritual repeated over and over.  But consider what Jesus is doing … “but when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins …” The “one sacrifice”  by Jesus “made perfect forever” stands in stark contrast to the repetitive ritual of the animal sacrifices at the temple in Jerusalem.  And, Jesus does not sit just anywhere “he sat down at the right hand of God” … that sacrifice on the cross, once for all time …places Jesus at the right hand of God, a place of honor!  Verse 13 is a reference to Psalm 110:1 “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” The Evil One is living on borrowed time!

For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

The term “holy” relates to the term “sanctification”  or “saint.”  Hold on a minute!  How many of us believe that we are saintly?!   How many of us believe we deserve a Godly Oscar for our role as a Christian?  Take a deep breath … maybe two!  Note, “those who are BEING MADE holy.”  This is an ongoing process!!

Consider:  We have been made “perfect” in the sense that Jesus, by his sacrifice on the cross, has brought us into God’s kingdom, but we are being made holy day by day … until we actually see the face of our Savior, Jesus the Christ.  Two important points: (1) We can encourage this growth process by applying Scripture to all areas of our lives; accepting the guidance that Jesus provides; and giving our Savior control of our desires and goals.  And (2) As God works through the Spirit to perfect our holiness, we need to remain together and to pay attention and serve each other … encouraging one another toward love and service to each other.  We must stay together as the family of God.  I heard a pastor say, “There are no distant relatives in this Christian family!”  Homework: Look in the mirror and think about these words.  How is this shaping up for you … how is your being made holy progressing?  Are you listening to the Spirit of God?

15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this.  First he says:

16 ”This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord.  I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”

17Then he adds: “Their  sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” 

18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.

In these passages we have a reference to Jeremiah 31:33 … “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord.  “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts.  I will be their God, and they will be my people.”  Jeremiah’s words gave hope to the Jewish people who were suffering through exile as punishment for their sins.  And for us today … this sounds like the new birth we receive by giving our lives to Jesus and receiving His Holy Spirit.  An important question for each of us:  What is written on your heart? Then comes this powerful statement in verse 17 … “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”  Why dwell in the past?!  When we pray in faith for forgiveness, we can also forget our sins.  Why continue to kick yourself for holding on to guilt that God has wiped from his memory?   If you can make that commitment - believing those words of Scripture - just imagine the impact on your progress toward being made holy!!  Just imagine the impact this can have on your interactions with your brothers and sisters in Christ … and those who need to have Jesus in their lives!

19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled  to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed  with pure water.

Verse 22 is a reference to baptism.  Once we have made that commitment, in faith, what power is given to us as a child of God?  Go back to your mirror again …  How do you approach your God?  How do you perceive God’s Word?  How do you view the world in which you live?  What do others see in you?  How is your journey in Christ progressing? 

23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Bottomline:  Look who we believe in and serve … The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father full of grace and truth.  John 1:14 “The Word became flesh” … this does not mean the Word ceased being God, rather, the Word, who was God, also took on human form.  This truly is the most amazing event in all of history – the eternal, infinitely holy Son of God took on human nature and lived among humanity as one who was both God and human at the same time, in one person!  

This is who I profess to believe in and serve.  Wow!  I want to be around people who share this belief, this reality, this lifestyle.  Where do I find them?  I find them in a church … these are the folks I want to spend time with.  Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus has made a “temple” … both the church and a Christian fellowship.  This church, this Christian fellowship, is a faith-builder for me, because this is where I grow in faith and understanding when we meet together to sing, pray, hear the Word and share the sacramental elements that Christ initiated.  And, you know, I want the world to know whose side I’m on … corporate worship is truly a witness that I am trying to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.  Is the church and the fellowship perfect?  Probably not.  All of us can be “difficult” at times, but we believe in Jesus, AND we are still human!  These folks in God’s church are people who have the Spirit of God within them.  These are people who will help me.   These are people who will be honest with me when I’m fouling up.  These are people who love me because I profess to be a child of God.  These are people, like me, who are being made holy!  I want to be where they are … I find them worshiping in God’s church.  Lissa recently closed a sermon by saying the church will be there for us … shaped by the love of God and others.  Act on that statement!

Note:  Hebrews 10:25  “… and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  The Boy Scouts nailed it, Be Prepared!  We live in a strange time.  The thought NEVER crossed my mind that in the United States of America, in 2024, a person wearing a Star of David in public could be assaulted!  I wear the cross of Jesus Christ …hmm?!  Embrace the body of Christ, the fellowship of believers, that is where you will find strength and love – the Church!