From: November 15, 2024
“and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” (Hebrews 12:24 ESV).
Not only is the new covenant sacrifice of Jesus “better” than the old one instituted under Moses, it is also “better” than the blood sacrifice offered by Abel. While Abel and Jesus have in common that both offered sacrifices acceptable by God and both were killed by their brothers, Christ’s sacrifice is better because both it and the One offering it are superior.
Jesus is the fulfillment of both Abel’s sacrifice and Moses’ mediation. Without His sacrifice, theirs would be without merit, for theirs is merely a check written by faith awaiting His future deposit.
The book of Hebrews is often called the “Book of Betters.” For it shows how Jesus is better in every way and in everything. It is this Jesus that you come “to” when you answer God’s call of salvation.
As the old hymn proclaims:
“I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands.
I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway.
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.”
PRAYER: Dear Father, we have seen and heard that Jesus is better and now we know it in our hearts. He is better than anything this world affords today. We choose Jesus. In His name, amen.
From: November 15, 2023
“Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking” (Hebrews 12:25 NLT).
Have you ever refused to listen to the Spirit of Christ? Has He knocked at your heart’s door and been refused entrance? Consider those in the Old Testament who refused to obey God when He spoke. What became of them? And now, Jesus, the One who mediates the new covenant between God and man, speaks of even better things. Do not reject Him.
“But I have received Him.” You say. But have you refused to obey the last word He gave you? Think back to the moment when you stopped hearing from Him and you’ll remember your heart’s refusal. Perhaps it was only a small nudge to talk to a stranger or to turn back to a store clerk and offer a smile and a word of encouragement, but when you refused, that was the moment Christ’s gentle voice went silent. Walk in obedience to His every call, that you might continually hear “the One who is speaking.”
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us when we refuse to hear You speak. We know that it grieves You. Open our ears to hear and our hearts to obey. Help us to always listen and obey Your voice. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: November 15, 2022
WORK AT LIVING IN PEACE WITH ALL PEOPLE
Those who are at peace with God through faith in Jesus are to pursue living in peace with all people.” Peace is the third member of the first triad of the fruit of the Spirit: “Love, joy, peace” (Gal. 5:22). Therefore, peace is one of the key attributes of those who are filled with the Spirit. It is a mark of living the “holy life” and evidence that the Spirit of Christ abides in us.
Although we have peace with God through Christ Jesus, we must pursue it with others. For the world is not at peace with God, therefore it wars against Him and even against itself. We should not be surprised that wars and rumors of wars are the news of the day. For the hearts of those in this world are filled with internal strife.
Pursuing peace, we can make it our goal to live a quiet life and not to meddle in the affairs of others. As the apostle Paul wrote, “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live” (1 Thess. 4:11-12).
Yet when we do open our mouths, we are to speak as ministers of the “gospel of peace” (Eph.6:15). For God has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and He has “given us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor.5:18).
Are you pursuing peace with all people today? Especially those who might be considered enemies?
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us where we have been caught up in the warfare of the world. The media constantly reports on bad news and our ears are filled with it. Yet, we would have our hearts and our mouths filled with Your good news and peace. Fill us afresh with Your Spirit today that we might pursue peace with all people. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: November 15, 2016
Have you ever said “No” to Christ? Has He knocked at your heart’s door and been refused entrance? Consider those in the Old Testament who refused to obey God’s Word. What became of them? And now, the blood of Christ “speaks a better word.” Do not refuse Him. Or have you received Him, but yet refused to obey the last word He gave you? Think back to the moment when you stopped hearing from Him and you’ll remember your heart’s refusal. Perhaps it was only a small nudge to talk to a stranger or to turn back to a store clerk and smile, but that was the moment Christ’s gentle voice went silent. Walk in obedience to His every call that you might continually hear “Him who is speaking.”
From: November 15, 2015
Not only is the “new covenant” sacrifice of Jesus better than the old one instituted under Moses, it is also “better” than the blood sacrifice offered by Abel. While Abel and Jesus have in common that both offered sacrifices acceptable by God and both were killed by their brothers, Christ’s sacrifice is better because both it and the One offering it are better. Jesus is the fulfillment of both Abel’s sacrifice and Moses’ mediation. Without His sacrifice, theirs would be without merit, for theirs is merely a check awaiting His deposit. It is this Jesus that you come “to” when you answer God’s call of salvation.