From: November 6, 2023
“Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins” (Hebrews 7:27 NLT).
Hebrews contrasts the daily offerings of Levitical priests with the “once for all” offering of Christ Jesus. The reason for daily sacrifices by the sons of Aaron are several. First, they themselves are sinful and must offer daily sacrifices “for their own sins.” Second, “since they are prevented by death from remaining in office” their priesthood is temporary (Heb. 7:23). Third, the sacrifices they bring are inferior and are only a shadow of their fulfillment, and therefore must be repeated.
Yet the sacrifice that Christ Jesus has given is supremely sufficient. First, Christ is a holy priest. Since He is without sin, He has no need to offer daily sacrifices for Himself. Second, Christ is an eternal priest, for He has defeated sin, death and the grave. And the Father has sworn an oath concerning Him saying, “You are a priest forever” (Psa. 110:4, Heb. 7:21). Third, the sacrifice that Christ has brought is perfect. For He willingly offered His own body as an atonement for our sins.
Therefore, Christ’s sacrifice need not be repeated, for it was accomplished “once for all.” In other words, Christ’s sacrifice has put an end to sacrifice, for His great atonement has made it complete. It is sufficient “once for all” time. And it is sufficient “once for all” people.
It is sufficient for all, yet it must be received individually by faith. Only those who believe are covered by His great atonement.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we confess our sins to You, knowing that You are faithful and just to forgive us because Christ has paid for our sin, once for all. Thank You Lord. We offer ourselves completely to You because of Your great mercies. Transform our lives that we might live always to please You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: November 6, 2022
A BETTER HOPE
The law can reflect, but not perfect. The law itself is perfect. For it is from God, but it has no power to make perfect. It is like a mirror that reveals our sinful imperfection, but it has no power to remove it. Instead of bringing us closer to God, the law shows how vast is our separation. It was never given to save, but to point to our need for a Savior. Those who hope in keeping the law will die apart from God.
Yet, there is a “better hope” found in Christ. Christ is the fulfillment of the law and the Savior for those who look to Him. For those who have put their hope in Christ are able to “draw near to God” with “a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Heb. 10:22).
Therefore, “put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world” (1 Pet. 1:13).
PRAYER: Dear Father, we love Your law, yet we know that we cannot keep it without Christ. For He has fulfilled it on our behalf and He abides in us to will and to work, so that we might bear good fruit. Therefore, we look to Christ and depend on Him for all things. Strengthen us today to do Your will. We give our cares to You and ask You to give us Your peace which passes all understanding. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: November 6, 2017
The law can reflect, but not perfect. It is like a mirror that reveals sin, but it has no power over the flesh to remove it. Instead of bringing us closer to God, the law shows how vast is our separation. It was never given to save, but to point to our need for a Savior. Those who hope in the law will die. Yet, there is a “better hope” found in Christ alone. For those who have put their hope in Christ are able to “draw near” to God with “a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Heb. 10:22).
From: November 6, 2016
The word of the Lord came to the prophet Ezekiel describing the way He had taken Israel as His bride when she was still weak and in the wilderness. As Boaz “spread the corner” (Ruth 3:9) of his garment over Ruth, so the Lord took Israel as His wife and redeemed her as His own. Yet, she did not remember their wedding “covenant” at Sinai. Instead of returning His love and commitment, she “played the whore” (v.15) with the idolatrous nations surrounding her. So God removed His protection and gave her over to those same nations for judgment. However, God does not “retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love” (Micah 7:18). He sent His only begotten Son to be as a Boaz Redeemer that He might purchase for Himself a bride from both Jew and Gentile those that would believe on Him.
From: November 6, 2015
Are your friendships based on flattery or fidelity? Are your ears open to correction? A true friend will tell you the truth about you because they seek the best for you. But an enemy may flatter you to your face, while tearing you down to others behind your back. Ask God for wisdom to know the difference.
From: November 6, 2014
The Psalmist’s questions beg the answer, “No one.” How can we number the glorious actions of our God? He is omnipotent and eternal. Who knows what He has done, is doing, or will do? A list of these miracles would needs be infinite too. And how can we ever praise Him adequately? Our lives are too brief and our lungs too small to worship Him long and loudly enough. Yet, in Jesus’ name, we will have eternity to try.
From: November 6, 2013
Jesus is our Great High Priest. He stands between God and man as our Mediator. His salvation is not partial or temporary but to the “uttermost.” Jesus saves us by His sacrificial death and then He keeps us by the power of His resurrection life.