Our scripture this morning is Hebrews 10:20-25.
By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Paul shares the truth and joy of our salvation, that by Christ’s blood we are washed clean and reconnected to God. He encourages us to “go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting Him”. This is the greatest blessing we can receive, to be made right with God through the sacrifice Jesus has made for us.
Paul continues that our strength is in our fellowship with Christ and one another. Certainly we can stand alone as Christians through the power of the Holy Spirit, but we are so much more effective in our discipleship when we work together in His name. He writes “and let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another”, reminding us we are responsible to and for each other.
The most important point of this passage is “that the day of His return is drawing near”. We don’t know when that will be but we know without a doubt that it is coming. We are called to share the Good News with the world until Jesus comes to take us home.
Heavenly Father, we are amazed that You offer us forgiveness for our sins and invite us to be part of the work of Your kingdom. Bless us to go as the disciples of today to bring the world to You. Amen.