forgiveness – Page 8

Hebrews 10:1-18 – Sins Forgotten

We’re moving through the book of Hebrews and there is a lot of emphasis on Jesus being our high priest. His sacrifice was once and done. He will not have to die again. Remember, some of the young Christians had been Jews just moments before. Their heritage had been a yearly sacrifice. Each year you’d be reminded of your sins as the sacrifices were made and the high priest entered the Most Holy Place.

You can’t just change a person’s experience or understanding of forgiveness overnight. This is a process. It may be hard for us, too, to imagine how the shedding of Jesus’ blood could be the perfect sacrifice. There are a lot of us sinners in the world now and across the span of time. There will be many more in the days ahead. We, too, need to wrap our head around the fact that God came to live and die. His death redeemed us. Continue reading “Hebrews 10:1-18 – Sins Forgotten”

Hebrews 8:1-13 – Jesus is High Priest

Read Hebrews 8:1-13

Our discussion on the priesthood continues in today’s reading. Jesus has stepped up as our high priest. He was appointed by God because he was in the right family. What used to be the job of a man, a mere mortal in the line of Levi, is now our Lord’s. Had the old way not been flawed, God wouldn’t have fixed it. Even God looks out for ways to be more efficient in helping his people. The saying, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Well, the system was broke and God sacrificed himself to fix it.

Again, our author is helping the people to understand the immensity of what is happening here. He quotes the words of Jeremiah to compare the old and new covenants. Again, God saw a need for a new promise. Times had changed and so had people. It was time for God to make all things new. He sent his son and when “God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear.” God’s change was huge! Continue reading “Hebrews 8:1-13 – Jesus is High Priest”

Luke 7:36-50 – Welcome

Read Luke 7:36-50

I always enjoy reading a Bible passage that I can picture happening. This is one of those stories. I found a reenactment that seems pretty accurate. You can watch it HERE.

We are all sinners, and here we see an example of how one so deep in their sin can be overcome with devotion and appreciation. It is only by God’s grace through our faith that we are saved. Those Pharisees in this story were not able to comprehend how Jesus could grant this forgiveness. We know, but we have the benefit of the Biblical account. They were the ones making history! Continue reading “Luke 7:36-50 – Welcome”

Luke 6:37-42 – How We Treat Each Other

Read Luke 6:37-42

Jesus continues teaching in today’s reading. In Luke, this teaching is referred to as the “Sermon on the Plain.” Matthew’s gospel has a much longer version known as the “Sermon on the Mount.” They could very well be the same account. The teachings are certainly something everyone should hear, and Jesus would have likely taught it more than once.

Luke is also known as the “social Gospel” because of his focus on the poor and needy. While that is more the focus of Luke, you can compare it with Matthew who looks more at the spiritual side of things. Continue reading “Luke 6:37-42 – How We Treat Each Other”

James 2:1-13 – Mercy Triumphs

Read James 2:1-13

Breaking the law, God’s law isn’t anything we intend to do. At least for most of us. Sometimes it happens. When we do stumble, we look for God’s mercy and forgiveness. When we seek, we find it. God is merciful and he does forgive, so long as we have also shown mercy.

What are ways that we can show mercy? We can start by not holding grudges against others. We need to forgive and forget, just as our Father in heaven.

This passage also speaks a lot to our attitude toward others. Being judgmental is something we definitely should NOT do. We all do it though. The example given was really good, didn’t you think? Since I’ve read it before, I’m always convicted to be more attentive to the poor and needy, than to respond to the rich and sophisticated.

And isn’t it a good point that it is the rich who are the very ones who make our lives more difficult. They are the rule enforcers, and many of those rules are designed to help them, the rich, giving no mind to the needs and position of the poor, or even middle class sometimes. That is a bit of a frightening realization – nothing has changed. Unfairness still exists.

I like how we have here the simple reminder of the “royal” law. We may also know this as the “golden rule.” That is, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Yes, it’s Biblical, and what a good reminder. It sounds simple, but sometimes it is very difficult. Not everyone is lovable. I’m sure each of us knows someone who is stubborn, hateful, grumpy and mean. I could go on with adjectives, but it is set out clearly for us – love your neighbor! Period.

How can you be a better neighbor today?

Let’s pray. Lord and Father from above I thank you for this reminder. Your Word never returns empty, and today it has left an impression on me. Thank you that you have given me the resources to help those in need. Help me go beyond just the financial but to really be present for those less fortunate. Forgive me for times when I have not shown the mercy on others that would have been appropriate in your eyes. Forgive me for any hurtful things I may have said or done. Lead me to those people who need to hear from you today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.