ESOCS Devotional 10 May 2022
TEXT: HEBREWS 9:16-28
MEMORY VERSE: “For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; He entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence.” Hebrews 9:24 NIV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
The ancient practices of animal sacrifice for sin is a pointer to the fact that without the shedding of blood, there is noforgiveness of sins (Heb. 9:22). Clearly, however, these sacrifices pointed to the blood of Christ – His death on the Cross, as penalty for sin. Through His blood, which was presented to God in heaven, He obtains for us forgiveness, freedom from bondage, justification, sanctification and holiness. Halleluyah!
But quite unlike the Levitical priests, Christ did not enter into the Holy of Holies of the earthly or man-made tabernacles.These practices were only a shadow of that which was to come. But He entered heaven directly, in order to appear before God on our behalf (Heb. 6:20; 8:1-2). While seated at the right hand of God, He intercedes and mediates on our behalf continually. These are the bases of the new covenant movement. (Heb. 7:25, Rom. 8:34, 1 John 2:1).
Conclusively, Jesus offered Himself for eternal salvation with a one-time offering on the Cross. In other words, the Cross was a one-off event, with everlasting impact. The sufficiency of the sacrifice, moreover, is made manifest in the fact thatJesus does not have to offer Himself again and again, throughout eternity. This clearly makes it different from the OldTestament high
priest, who needed to enter the holy of holies yearly, with sacrificial blood for the sins of the people (Heb. 9:7).
Christ Jesus, the Messiah, is Lord forever. O come, let us adore Him.
- Today’s study is in contrast with the view of those who still indulge in animal sacrifice in any guise. Do you agree? What is your advice to such persons?
- Lord Jesus, I worship and adore you for this ultimate sacrifice. Be honoured for ever and ever.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Exodus 13:3-10; Lamentations 5:15-22; John 17:20-26
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ESOCS Devotional 10 May 2022
