Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Perfection in God
Hebrews 10:1-14
Vs 10 “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
The passage for our meditation deals with the ultimate sacrifice Christ made on the cross and what that means for us as people who may not have the best track record.
Shadow - the remnant of the whole: As we are in the height of the winter season, the days come to an end much shorter than before. Walking back to my apartment after my 9 to 5, I could just barely make out my shadow in the light of the setting sun. And as I looked at my shadow, I could make out the distinct outline that made me, well, me. In the first part of verse 1 of the portion, we see that the law is referred to as a “shadow of the good things to come.” This law is simply the rules set out by God in the Old Testament. And just as my shadow is but an implication of myself, in the same way, the law is the shadow of Jesus, Our Savior. Of course, for there to be a shadow, there must be light. This idea is further explored in the second half of verse 9, as God puts away the initial shadow to pave the way for Him who is in the light, Jesus.
Sacrifice - revamping our salvation: As Indians, we cook a lot of meat throughout our lives. We may not notice it, but even if we took 10% of all our consumption and had it laid before us, it would be quite a marvel. Throughout a Jew’s life from the Old Testament, this is the proportion of meat they burned from their livestock in exchange for salvation from God. In verse 3 we find this to be evident as the sacrifices are described as “an annual reminder of sins.” However, in the very next verse, this method of salvation is conclusively refuted as the blood of an animal cannot wash away the sins of man. This is conveyed in verse 8 when it is established that these rituals were per the law; the same one that Christ overruled with his sacrifice.
Perfection - who we are in God: I’ll be the first one to admit it, I’m not perfect. Truthfully, I don’t think there is anyone who walks the earth that is. Looking at the second part of verse 1, God tells us that it is impossible to be perfect, but not with Jesus. Between verses 5-7, we see the disarray of what offering meant to people and how Jesus knew it to be true that to save His people, He must give Himself up. Now, this does not mean that you nominally take up Christianity, but that you let it guide your every action so that it pleases the Lord. Repent with an open heart devoted to Him and just as it is in verse 14, you will be made perfect through the light that shines from His’ sacrifice.
Shadow - the remnant of the whole: As we are in the height of the winter season, the days come to an end much shorter than before. Walking back to my apartment after my 9 to 5, I could just barely make out my shadow in the light of the setting sun. And as I looked at my shadow, I could make out the distinct outline that made me, well, me. In the first part of verse 1 of the portion, we see that the law is referred to as a “shadow of the good things to come.” This law is simply the rules set out by God in the Old Testament. And just as my shadow is but an implication of myself, in the same way, the law is the shadow of Jesus, Our Savior. Of course, for there to be a shadow, there must be light. This idea is further explored in the second half of verse 9, as God puts away the initial shadow to pave the way for Him who is in the light, Jesus.
Sacrifice - revamping our salvation: As Indians, we cook a lot of meat throughout our lives. We may not notice it, but even if we took 10% of all our consumption and had it laid before us, it would be quite a marvel. Throughout a Jew’s life from the Old Testament, this is the proportion of meat they burned from their livestock in exchange for salvation from God. In verse 3 we find this to be evident as the sacrifices are described as “an annual reminder of sins.” However, in the very next verse, this method of salvation is conclusively refuted as the blood of an animal cannot wash away the sins of man. This is conveyed in verse 8 when it is established that these rituals were per the law; the same one that Christ overruled with his sacrifice.
Perfection - who we are in God: I’ll be the first one to admit it, I’m not perfect. Truthfully, I don’t think there is anyone who walks the earth that is. Looking at the second part of verse 1, God tells us that it is impossible to be perfect, but not with Jesus. Between verses 5-7, we see the disarray of what offering meant to people and how Jesus knew it to be true that to save His people, He must give Himself up. Now, this does not mean that you nominally take up Christianity, but that you let it guide your every action so that it pleases the Lord. Repent with an open heart devoted to Him and just as it is in verse 14, you will be made perfect through the light that shines from His’ sacrifice.
PRAYER
As I come before You, O Father, search my heart and know me as yours. Give me the strength to realize my sins and to know that you alone can make me whole. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I must become less so that He can become so much more.
Jonathan Joshua, St. James MTC, Rockland, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
Jonathan Joshua, St. James MTC, Rockland, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church