Scripture
Our verse for today comes from Hebrews 10:4, ” For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. “
Background
There certainly was a lot of bloodshed in the Old Testament. The Israelites, in spite of whatever little military training they might have had, seemed to go from one battle to the next. Their enemies were all around them, and God was clear about destroying those that were against Him, intending to establish His great nation. And in their personal lives, there was a seemingly endless parade to the tabernacle or temple to offer up the various offerings instituted by God. Imagine how much time the priests and Levites spent with their hands in blood, slaughtering animals and butchering them all day long to be burned, gathering and sprinkling blood all around the altar. As a mechanic might come home from work today, covered in grease and mindful of the car’s general need for repair, I can picture even more so the Levites coming home wearing the red reminders from head to toe of the sinful ways of the people of God. But when Jesus came to the world, God did not want Him to offer a burnt offering. Of all the Jews that had ever lived, He was the first one that God told not to offer a sacrifice of bulls or goats. God told Him that He wanted Himself, His very own body. He was through with the shadows of animal sacrifices and offerings meant to remind us of our sinful ways. The time had come for THE blood to be shed. He was ready to take away sins. The priest had come to offer Himself.
Application
Now, the Israelites were supposed to leave the temple starkly aware of their sin, grateful for God’s grace, and committed to living righteously for Him. So when you consider the blood that Jesus shed on the cross, how does that leave you? Does it move you in love to address the sin of indifference that life throws at you? Does it make your soul ache to see another receive the cleansing forgiveness that you have experienced? Does it convict you of a lifestyle that appears to resemble a hearer of the gospel rather than a doer? If so, go and live the life that He sacrificed for you to have.
Charge
As we seek Him today, consider whether your life resembles one that was bought by the sacrifice of God’s Son. Live in the freedom and joy that should characterize one who has to offer only thanksgiving, praise, and obedience.
Rich Holt / Originally Published on : BCWorldview.org
Also published on : Medium.com.
