Christ, The Mediator Of A New Covenant
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Hebrews 9 (NIV)
(Hoo Feng Wen, Asst Zone Leader of Zone 4)
READ:
Hebrews 9:1-10 talks about the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place where the Israelites went to worship God, and the rituals required, in the first covenant, to cleanse the people and the high priest for worship. This is followed in Hebrews 9:11-28 by an explanation of how things have changed through Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant. He is our new and perfect high priest, offering redemption and cleansing from sin through His blood and sacrifice, purifying His people once for all until the end of the age.
OBSERVE:
This passage contrasts what it was like with the old covenant and how Jesus has brought about the perfect new covenant. He is the perfect and supreme sacrifice that we all need to be purified and to come before God. Exploring some of the Old Testament rituals helps me to appreciate that Jesus has made them obsolete. Often, I take for granted being in God’s presence but seeing what was required of the Israelites and high priests shows the magnitude and significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and why it was necessary for God to send His Son into the world on Christmas day.
APPLY:
It is good for every Christian to understand the significance of Christ’s sacrifice and how it was necessary for Him to shed His blood. It is not a trivial thing. From this passage, I have gained a deeper appreciation of what was accomplished through His death and resurrection. My sinful heart needs to be cleansed so that I can be forgiven and freely worship God.
DO:
I am filled with thankfulness, and I praise God for saving me through Jesus, my mediator. I will eagerly worship Him daily, with songs of praise and through prayer. I also pray that I will not take Christ’s sacrifice for granted, but to repent from my sin, and be transformed. I will seek accountability partners in my small group, where my faithful brothers and sisters in Christ can watch over me and where I can humbly confess my sins.
PRAY:
Dear God, You are the almighty and loving God who gave Your Son for us so that we can be saved and sanctified through His blood. Forgive us for the times when we take the work of the Cross lightly and sin against You. As we repent and put away sin, may Your Holy Spirit guard our hearts from temptation. Help us to listen to Your prompting towards righteousness. We give thanks and praise to You, the Holy God that we worship. May our worship be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
