Work In Progress
Opening Prayer
As you prepare to read God’s Word today, thank God for his grace and mercy to you each day.
Read Hebrews 10:11-18
[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.” [17] Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” [18] And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary. 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
What's the difference between the two priests mentioned here?Recently, I saw a T-shirt with a slogan that could be my motto, “Please be patient. God’s not finished with me yet.” So often I decide not to do something again, or never to speak in a certain way. Then a few days later, I realize I’ve slipped up again. Can you identify with that? It is so hard to stay good. The people in Old Testament times had the same problem. No matter how they tried, they kept sinning. And each sin demanded a sacrifice. As a result, the priests had to offer sacrifices over and over (11). Then Jesus came and offered himself as a one-time sacrifice for our sins–for all of them. Take a closer look at v. 14. Whom did Christ make perfect? Those who are in the process of being made holy. We’re not there yet, and God knows that. Yet perfection is assured in the future. We may remember our sins, but see how long God remembers them (17). For that reason, we no longer need sin sacrifices (18). Even though I continually mess up, Christ’s sacrifice has guaranteed my forgiveness, and he’ll keep working on me until that day I go to him, perfect and holy.
Apply
Thank the Lord for his continual forgiveness. Ask him to help you forgive yourself, and to sin less and less.
Closing prayer
Holy Lord, continue Your gracious, patient work in me so that I can gradually become more like You.
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