AtACrossroads.net Weekly Bible Reading Devotional
Day 1 – Read Hebrews 4:14 – 5:14
These passages begin Jesus’ description as our high priest. The high priest throughout the Old Testament was an official position who offered the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement to cover the people’s sins for the previous year (see Leviticus 16). The high priest is called the “mediator” between God and the people. So when Jesus is described as our high priest, it means he is the mediator between us and our Holy God. Jesus is God, but since he came to earth as a human and took our sins upon him, he can also serve as a mediator between our sinfulness and God’s perfect holiness. Because of who Jesus is as your mediator, he can relate to you in your suffering and struggle and allows you to enter God’s throne of grace with confidence (4:16), something that would have been unheard of in Old Testament times. Do not miss out on this amazing opportunity; do not be one (5:11-14) who doesn’t grow deeper in your faith and deeper in love with Jesus and in obedience to his will.
Day 2 – Read Hebrews 6
Verses 4-6, 11 & verses 17-20 provide an interesting contrast. 4-6, 11 give strong warning that we should not take our faith lightly and not plan on being able to fall away into apathetic sin and then conveniently come back to God in repentance when we’re done with our “rebellious years”. In other words, intentionally taking God’s grace for granted. This strong warning is balanced with 17-20 telling us we are already heirs of Heaven, confirmed by God with an oath, and that we are to very encouraged by this. This hope is an “anchor for the soul, firm and secure”, which has went into the holy of holies and taken all of our sins away once and for all! This is as strong of language as possible to declare that we are fully saved in the grace of Jesus. What we can conclude from this chapter is not to take our relationship with Christ lightly or for granted, and at the same time, know that when we put our faith in Christ, we have nothing to fear when it comes to our eternal destiny.
Day 3 – Read Hebrews 7
This chapter is again showing the Jewish audience that the Old Testament Priesthood (Aaron / Levites) was insufficient and that a heavenly / eternal priesthood was needed (Melchizedek / Jesus) for sins to truly be paid for. Melchizedek was a non-Jewish priest from Genesis 14 with no genealogy and is seen throughout the Old Testament as a symbol of the coming Messiah. The author’s point is that Jesus is the real deal, the destination, and any religious substitute that misses Jesus, misses everything.
Day 4 – Read 1 Timothy 2:1-7
Day 5 – Read Galatians 3
12.8.13 Hebrews: Jesus Our Mediator and Advocate from Lansing Crossroads Church on Vimeo.
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