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Hebrews 12 - Day 207 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-4 Commentary: The theme of this passage is the need for perseverance or endurance through trials, as indicated by the use of similar terminology in vs 1, 2, 3 and 7 (cf. 10:32; 36). Developing the image of an athletic contest, the writer urges his readers to look to the great cloud of witnesses in ch. 11, for encouragement to run with perseverance the race of faith (1). As a climax to his presentation of the great heroes of faith, the writer recalls the endurance of Jesus in the face of extreme suffering, shame and opposition, and relates this to the situation of his readers (2–4). This leads to a meditation on the way God disciplines his children through hardship, based on Pr. 3:11–12 (5–11). The challenge is for us to recognize the meaning and purpose of God’s discipline in our lives and to respond with trust and willing submission. A final appeal for endurance is made in language that stresses the need to strengthen those who are weak or exhausted and tempted to abandon the race (12–13). Peterson, D. G. (1994). Hebrews. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., p. 1349). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press. Application: God's will or our lives is to be sanctified. Although we rely on the Holy Spirit to empower and lead us, we still need to put in our effort and that takes discipline. Prayer; Holy Spirit, help me to love the things that you love and to live live as though I am holy. Deuteronomy 6 - Day 214 (link to reading plan)
Scripture; Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Commentary: The words of the Shema in Deut 6:4 bear witness to the experience of the living presence of God in history who created Israel as a people. When the people of ancient Israel sang the words, “Who is like you, O YHWH, among the gods?” (Exod 15:11), they knew the response. There were no other gods like YHWH! It was a relatively short step from this practical knowledge to significant theological conclusions. The word אחד in the text of the Shema speaks of “oneness” of God, for the doctrine of monotheism is implicit in this brief creedal statement. The focus on teaching your children “these words” diligently within the context of the family—at all conceivable times and places—illustrates once again the pedagogical purpose of Deuteronomy. The content of this book was the primary curriculum in an ongoing program of religious education in ancient Israel. Phylacteries and mezuzot are essentially pedagogical tools, designed to keep the great summary statements of the “Words of YHWH” central in the experience of each individual member of the covenant community. Christensen, D. L. (2001). Deuteronomy 1–21:9, Revised (Vol. 6A, p. 143). Dallas: Thomas Nelson. Application: Before the greatest commandment was the Shema. Teach your children that God is One and that we are to love Him with all of our heart, mind and soul. Prayer: Lord God, You alone are worthy of our worship... Hebrews 11 - Day 206 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 Commentary: After defining faith in 11:1 and introducing his thesis in 11:2, the writer surveys biblical history for samples of faith. Faith as defined by this chapter is the assurance in God’s future promises, an assurance that enables one to persevere Keener, C. S. (1993). The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament (Heb 11:1–31). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. Application: Faith is acting as if what we believe is real. Just because we can't see God, non-believers think we're crazy but that's ok, because it;s all a matter of doing what we believe is real. Prayer: Lord, prove your doubters wrong. Hebrews 10 - Day 205 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-22 Observation: The author reiterates the supremacy of Christ and his sacrifice. Then he/she encourages us to enter heaven's Most Holy Place. Application: For those of you who have been following my daily devotions, take a moment to remember the extensive details of the sacrificial system, the tabernacle, and the role of the priests in the books of Leviticus and Numbers. Because Jesus is our High Priest and intermediary, we can go directly into the throne room of God and meet with Him face to face. Wow. Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your grace that gives me life and has cleansed me. Have mercy on me a sinner. Hebrews 9 - Day 204 (link to reading plan)
Scripture: Hebrews 9:11-28 Commentary: In this section, the author focuses on provisions within the tabernacle. After describing the various objects associated with the priesthood (vv. 2–5), the author continues by describing the regulation and practice of religious life (vv. 6–10). The infrequency of access to God under the old covenant serves to demonstrate that such an arrangement could function only provisionally (vv. 7–8). Furthermore, the sacrifices’ failure to properly cleanse indicates the need for a more effective sacrifice (vv. 9–10). This description of the tabernacle leads into 9:11–10:18, which discusses Christ’s priestly ministry within the heavenly sanctuary. Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Heb 9:1–10). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press. Application: Jesus the Christ is our All in All. He is the perfect God, Creator, King, Priest, Prophet, and Sacrifice. Imagine what it would be like to get a vaccine shot every day to protect us from the coronavirus. Anyone with diabetes that needs their insulin shot every day would understand how inconvenient but necessary the whole process is. The daily sacrifices were (the whole sacrificial system was) prescribed to "cover" the Israelites so that their sins would not destroy them in God's presence. Jesus willingly died as our sacrifice, once and for all, to fulfill the requirements of the Mosaic covenant and to establish the covenant of grace. Wow! Prayer: Lord, thank You... |
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