Devotion:
Read Hebrews 10:19-23.
This week we are focusing on the joy that comes from knowing that we are in good standing with God because of the gift of grace. This scripture from Hebrews is a beautiful word picture of this gift of grace from God to us, through Christ. It is simple, yet complex; profound and full of assurance!
The words are simple. “Since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…” yet they give us full assurance that God has initiated this gift of grace. In Christ, God has inaugurated this new covenant that once and for all, atonement has been made and we can approach God in worship with confidence.
“Let us hold with confidence to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful!” Yes, we can have confidence and therefore joy of being in good relationship with God because God is faithful!
The Hebrews writer is encouraging the people to also be faithful to put into practice what they believe. He is careful to remind us that this gift of grace is not ours to keep but ours to share, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Personal Worship Option:
In pondering this profound gift of grace, the words of the last stanza of the words of a poem from the Middle Ages is helpful as a prayer for today. . “O Sacred Head Now Wounded”- “What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend, for this thy dying sorrow, thy pity without end? O make me thine forever; and should I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to Thee.” Amen.
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