Heb 10:11-14, 19-25 (NRSV)
Read Heb 10:11-14, 19-25 on biblegateway.com
Verse 11And every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. Verse 12But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, "he sat down at the right hand of God," Verse 13and since then has been waiting "until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet." Verse 14For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.
Verse 19Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, Verse 20by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), Verse 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, Verse 22let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Verse 23Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. Verse 24And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, Verse 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Devotion
In the two old churches in which I serve, people kneel before altar railings for communion. The railing separates the congregation from the altar, leading many parents to keep their children away from it and others to think of it as sacred space reserved for the pastor.
Yet this passage reminds us that, as Christians, each of us is clothed in Christ’s righteousness. Christ has made us worthy and gives us the confidence to enter into his presence.
Likewise, though I enjoy having people come to me in moments of need, the gospel reminds us we can go directly to Christ, our great high priest. There is direct access to God for all. May we lead others to come to Christ in this confidence, full of the assurance that comes from Christ alone.
Prayer
Lord God, you have called us to be your servants, to proclaim your wondrous deeds. While we are tempted to think of ourselves, remind us that our work and our message is all about you. Amen.