Today's Readings: New Testament -
Matthew 17:14-27
Hebrews 10:1-18
Old Testament -
Proverbs 26:17-28
Isaiah 44-45
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: Hebrews 10:5-10
5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; 6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. 7 Then I said, 'Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, O God.' " 8 First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made). 9 Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Insight:
"Better things in Christ" is one of themes the Hebrew writer constantly emphasizes. In this case, the Hebrew writer tells us that Jesus' sacrifice is better than the sacrificial system of the old covenant. Instead of the repeated sacrifice of animals as fellowship offerings, burnt offerings, and sin offerings, Jesus offered himself once and for all. Instead of the old way, there is a better way in Christ.
Jesus set aside the old way by laying down his life on the cross. He came into the world and accomplished God's will. He came to save and reconcile all humankind and begin the work of redemption for all of creation. Just like all of us, Jesus suffered the violence and pain of living in our fallen world. He died at the hands of sinful humanity. But utterly unlike the rest of us, Jesus was without sin. And because of his holiness and his victory over death, he is now able to give life and transformation to us all.
Response & Action:
I will give thanks to God for the new and living way he has opened for me through Christ. I will follow Jesus and look to him for the strength and grace I need to be transformed and renewed. I will join Jesus in his work to accomplish God's will on earth. I will draw near to God with a sincere heart in the full assurance of faith. I will hold unswervingly to the hope I profess.
O God, thank you for Jesus, who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven. Thank you that though he was crucified, suffered death, and was buried, that on the third day he rose from the dead and is now seated at your right hand. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, lead, teach, transform, shape and strengthen me, that I might delight in your will and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: John 3:16-17
16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Resources:
The Incomparable Christ
by John Stott
