Feb 27 2022

For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

In this verse in Hebrews, we learn about the effects of Jesus' work on the cross. He was the one offering that perfected each person who came to know Him. Today, we'll break down the verse to better understand the significance of Jesus' death.

Before Jesus' time, the Levite priests would have to make sacrifices for people on a daily basis. If someone wanted to talk to the Lord, they had to bring sacrificial animals to pay the price for their sins. This would have to happen for every sin, over and over again, in order for people to come before the Lord and commune with Him.

There is a reason why Christians no longer make animal sacrifices. Jesus' death was the one and final sacrifice that eliminated the need for any others ever again. While the previous sacrifices were imperfect and had to be repeated, Jesus lived a sinless life and was wholly righteous. His perfection was then imparted to us.

Think about this we are in perfect standing before God because of what Jesus has done. We do not have to bring sacrifices to speak to the Lord. Instead, we speak to the Lord whenever we want, and He hears us. When we repent of our sins, we will be met with open arms and love. We do not have to be afraid that our sacrifices will not be enough because the Lord has already declared Jesus to be enough.

We no longer have to bear the burden of our own sanctification. Instead, we can trust that Jesus has washed us clean. When we call out to Him to free us from sin and help us live a pure life before Him, He will be quick to answer and reconcile us to Him.

Dear Lord, I thank you for Jesus. Because of Him, I do not have to live in shame and regret. You are so good to me. Thank you for healing me from sin and for giving me a new life in you. Help me to never take it for granted. In Jesus' name, amen.

Feb 26 2022

By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life. :

In this verse in Proverbs, the writer says that as we walk in humility and the fear of the Lord, we will receive riches, honor, and life. Knowing the Lord is not without sacrifices, but neither is it without immense blessings.

The writer begins by emphasizing humility and fear of the Lord. Humility is understanding that we are not our own and that our salvation was given to us by God. When we understand that we do not deserve salvation, that it is an act of grace that we did nothing to receive, we will begin to walk in humility. A saint takes no pride in saintliness. Rather, saints recognize that they are who they are because God has been gracious to them.

Fearing the Lord means that we recognize His power and justice. The Lord takes sin very seriously, and holiness is not a mere suggestion for the Christian life. It's an expectation and requirement. Fearing the Lord means that we recognize His expectations for us and seek Him faithfully, repenting of our sins as they happen and spending time with Him day after day.

Humility combined with a fear of the Lord brings blessings to Christians and riches, as the Proverb says. These are not material riches, but rather, a relationship with Jesus, the most precious of all riches. This relationship is sweet because we get to experience God working within us and through us. We are also promised honor. While this often does not come in this life, we know that in the Lord's eyes we are saints. We will be glorified with Him in Heaven.

Most importantly, as Christians we get life, which means several things in this context. It means we are freed from sin. We no longer have to be slaves to sin, controlled by evil and wrong desires. It means we can walk in confidence and faith in the Lord, trusting that He is guiding us always. It also means we have eternal life with God. We do not have to be afraid of death because we know He has already taken us from death to life and we will be with Him forever.

Dear Lord, I thank you so much for all of the blessings that come from you. Thank you for the riches, honor, and life that you offer me. I do not deserve any of them, and yet you give them to me in abundance. I rest in your goodness and faithfulness, Jesus. You are precious to me. In your name, amen.


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