260 in 2012 DEVOS - Day 214 - Hebrews 10: Christ the Perfect Sacrifice – Let us Draw Near

I don’t know about you, but I need hope. Not only do I need hope, but I need it every day! In Corinth, Paul was determined to know nothing except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. This is the only hope we have and is the theme of this chapter. In His death, Jesus was and is THE perfect sacrifice! The old sacrificial system could not bring access to God, it could not remove sin, was totally external and ultimately unpleasing to God. They were however, “…an annual reminder of sins…” (1-6). The New Sacrifice (Jesus) reflects God’s will (5-7), replaces the old system (8-9), makes us holy (10), removes sin (11-12), conquers (13), perfects believers (14) and fulfills the promise God made (15-18). Verse 19, “Therefore…” = How then are we to live? Three things are mentioned: Draw Near in Faith: (19-22) – When it comes to God, it’s always been about relationship. Can you believe He desires to have us near Him?!~! And He provides the way for that to occur when we humbly realize our sinful, helpless condition and trust in what Jesus did for us that we could not! What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! Hold Unswervingly to Hope: (23) – Perseverance is the key to victory. In Revelation 2-3 the promises in each church are given “To him who overcomes.” We are to be overcomers and that means sticking it out through the good and the not so good. Encourage One Another in Love: (24-25) – It is amazing how big an impact just a small compliment or a word aptly spoken can have! And the best words are God’s Words when shared together. But some will reject this truth of Christ (26-31) and will receive judgment for doing so. Because of this, the writer ends with a final appeal to not reject Christ (towards unbelievers) and to persevere (believe & be saved). SO WHAT?! *In what ways are we working at drawing near to God? Do we regularly spend time in the Bible? In prayer? Confessing sin? With God’s people? Serving the Lord? All of these will help you & I draw near to our Savior who desires to be near to us! *How are you & I persevering? I’ve run a lot of races in my life. I’ve never won any of them but I HAVE finished them all! So here’s the deal: EVERYONE who finishes the Christian life WINS! I know at times this life can dish out a lot of crap. But let’s ask God to give us spiritual pitchforks so we can toss the manure of this life aside and run with perseverance the race marked out for us! *Encouragement – we love to receive it, but often feel too busy to give it. I challenge each of y’all reading this TODAY to send a note, a text, an email, etc… of encouragement to someone who you think needs a “word aptly spoken.” Go ahead, I Double-Dog Dare Ya’!