FIX YOUR EYES
Opening Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, for the life you have given me. Help me to share it with others in ways that they can see and be drawn to you.
Read HEBREWS 10:11–25
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
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, 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.
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.”[a]
17 Then he adds:
“Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more.”[b]
18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.
A Call to Persevere in Faith
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. 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.
Footnotes
- Hebrews 10:16 Jer. 31:33
- Hebrews 10:17 Jer. 31:34
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
If you’re an archer, keeping your eyes on the target is key to hitting the bullseye. In fact, any project worth doing needs focus and determination. What are you currently focused on spiritually? How’s it going?The first part of today’s reading reinforces the theme of Saturday’s (vv. 11–18). We are reminded that because of Jesus’ sacrifice (this is one of the author’s ‘therefore’ moments: vv. 19–21), there are three things we should be motivated to do.
First, we should draw close to God. No sin or guilt is in the way any longer to stop us being at one with our heavenly Father (v. 22). Secondly, we should hang on tight and not waver in our hope—not because of who we are, but because of who God is: he is faithful to his promises (v. 23). And thirdly, we should encourage one another—encourage in love, encourage in doing good for others, and encourage meeting together so that we support one another (vv. 24, 25). Hallelujah! How marvelous!
Sometimes, though, God feels far away. Sometimes I feel wobbly, faith-wise. Sometimes I don’t want to bother encouraging anyone. I have learned, and am still learning, that looking at Jesus and focusing on what he has done helps me. It sounds simple—and sometimes takes effort—but it’s always worth it. And it’s part of being made holy (v. 14).
Apply
Go back to REFLECT and think again about your spiritual focus.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I need your help and strength to keep my aim fixed and my hand steady. Help me to keep my focus on you and on what you call me to be and do.
Book and Author Intros
Extras
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