Are You Ready?
Opening Prayer
Great God, this is the day You have made and control. I proceed firmly in my faith in You.
Read Hebrews 9:23-28
[23] It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. [24] For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. [25] Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. [26] Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. [27] Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, [28] so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why did Christ "appear" once, and why will he come again?The tabernacle was a symbolic meeting place, set aside to give people access to God. Yet it was only a shadow of what was to come. Through his sacrifice on the cross, Jesus set apart a real meeting place for us with God in heaven. This is no shadow (24). Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the earthly tabernacle, Jesus only needed to give his life once (25,26). When we celebrate the Lord’s Supper (also called Communion or Eucharist), we remember what Jesus did for us. It’s a celebration of his amazing sacrifice. We, too, will only die once (27). The problem is, we never know when. In recent years, thousands have lost their lives to devastating tsunamis, earthquakes and landslides. Acts of war and criminal activities bring sudden death to many. Even if we live in safer areas, we all face life-threatening situations. We survive many, but eventually one may send us into the presence of Almighty God. If not, we will die of old age. Unless Jesus returns in our lifetime, we will die–once. It could happen at any time. Are we ready for our heavenly rendezvous (28)?
Apply
How do you feel about standing before God’s throne? Do you feel fear or joyful anticipation? Pray about your answer.
Closing prayer
Lord, I’m thankful You made it possible for me to stand before You unafraid. Help me be ready for that day.
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