PURIFIED
Erin Kranz
Today's Scripture: “Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” Hebrews 9:22, ESV
Theme: We can only be made righteous and holy through the blood of Jesus.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BLOOD
Blood has always made me queasy. Whether it’s at a doctor’s office, a cut, or even watching someone eat rare meat, the sight of blood always makes my stomach turn. So if you’re anything like me, the idea of sacrifice has always felt a bit overly gory. I think that is partially because it’s not something we have to practice today, but also partially because it truly is. Sacrifice was never the original plan God had for the world… He created everything to be perfect, and that included the animals He made. Leviticus 17 gives us a few glimpses into how seriously God takes this – in verses 3-4, God says that, if anyone kills an ox or a lamb or a goat and doesn’t bring it to the tent of meeting to offer it as a sacrifice, “He has shed blood, and that man shall be cut off from among his people.”
God continues, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life,” (Leviticus 17:11, ESV). Blood is the symbolic and literal source of life, so the reckoning that is required to pay for and wash away our sins should be a constant reminder of the true seriousness and weight of that sin.
FORGIVENESS OF SINS
Thankfully that is not the end of the story! In our Read sections this week, we are reading through Hebrews and all about how Jesus both fulfilled the law and paid the final sacrifice for us. It is amazing to me that God loves us so much that He was willing to sacrifice His own Son so that we could be purified and reunited with Him. Jesus’ blood – His life – was shed on the cross for each and every one of us. We are now purified for all eternity! Praise Him!
Make It Personal: Let’s take some time today to reflect on the severity of our sins. Do you believe and understand that your sin comes with a price? Then transition to a time of thankfulness and praise to God for the redemption that is offered to us.
Pray: Father God, I’m so sorry for the ways I have sinned against You even this week. Please help me to see the pain that my sin causes to You, others, and myself. Thank You for loving me even in the midst of my imperfection. Thank You for Jesus… You could have left us in our sin, but You didn’t. You chose to reach out to us. You chose to bridge the gap. You are so good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Hebrews 7
Weekly Memory Verse: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23 (ESV)