Weekly Devotions

As we approach Easter and all that it means to the Christian church, we are made to ponder the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice on behalf of all of humanity.

In an area where sin is seldom called sin and therapy, elections, improved economic conditions are viewed as cures for what ails us, sacrifice can easily be dispelled.

For the writer of Hebrews, his concern was that the constant witness of sacrifice in the Temple had reduced sacrifice to a ritual that had little value to those who participated. The writer also wanted to point the community to the higher meaning of sacrifice as reflected in what Jesus did and accomplished on the cross.

Jesus is the better high priest and the better sacrifice because he is the priest who is also the sacrifice as well. Jesus does not take an animal to the cross to die a substitutional death. Jesus died for us. In doing so Jesus is the single sacrifice for the sins of all of humanity.

What Jesus did on the cross settled all accounts. Now Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father making intercessions for us. The right to make intercessions on our behalf did not come without sacrifice.

Each time we ask God for forgiveness we should be remained of the debt paid for us to receive the forgiveness. Sacrifice that Jesus made for us should strengthen the bonds of our relationship with him.

He loved us so much that while we were yet sinners he died in our place. We have been redeemed by the power of sacrifice. May that knowledge inspire us to live for his glory until he comes again.