Hebrews 1:1 – James 3:12

Overview

Today we read two books of the Bible (Hebrews & James).  We don’t know who wrote Hebrews but we do know it was written to Jewish Christians who were being persecuted because of their new found faith in the Jesus the Messiah.  The persecution included public criticism and even their homes being taken away.  Rejecting Christianity and turning back to Judaism would give them relief from the persecution.  Many of them did turn back to their original Jewish faith because of this.  The letter of Hebrews was meant to encourage those Christians who were suffering and considering abandoning their faith.  The author also addressed other issues including the fact that they were not growing in their faith.  They were not able to teach newer Christians because they themselves had not grown.  James is the second letter in the reading for today.  The half-brother of Jesus (James) is believed to be the author of this book.   James wrote to Jewish believers who left Jerusalem because of persecution.  He was writing to instruct them and encourage them.  The theme of James could easily be said “to live by faith”.

Scripture Hebrews 10:11-14

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.

Observation

Final SacrificeThe author of Hebrews is speaking about the Jewish practice of the priests duties of providing a sin offering at the temple.  Every day the priest stands and repeats what he has performed the day before.  All to no effect of the problem of sin.  The work of the priest does not take away sins.  Now, a new Priest has come.  Jesus, is our High Priest who has willingly provided the perfect offering.  He no longer stands and repeats the sacrifice.  He paid the price once and for all.  The payment has been made and Jesus now sits because the work is finished.  He sits at the right hand of the Father.

 

Application

We are free from the chains of sin that hold us back from having fellowship with the father.  We no longer need a priest to continually provide an offering on our behalf because of Christ work on the cross.  The temple veil has been torn in two and our sin no longer separates us from God.   It is through Christ’s perfection that we can be made Holy.  He paid the price once for all who believe.

Prayer

Father I could never pay the debt of my sin.  Thank you that you love me enough to wash my sins away and allow me to be holy through your Son Jesus.