Monday Devotional: November 4, 2024

Bible Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28 (NRSVUE)

²⁴ For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. ²⁵ Nor was it to offer himself again and again, as the high priest enters the holy place year after year with blood that is not his own, ²⁶ for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself. ²⁷ And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once and after that the judgment, ²⁸ so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Sacrificial self-giving love lies at the heart of God. This becomes clear to us when we gaze on the Crucified One. The writer of Hebrews proclaims this good news in what may seem a rather puzzling passage. In his “once-for-all” death on the cross, Jesus’ sacrificial love goes far beyond the “again and again” sacrifices of the Temple. One powerful consequence flows from this vivid contrast between Jesus’ unrepeatable sacrifice and all other repeatable sacrificial actions by human beings. It is mind-stretching, liberating, and very good news. Here it is: The crucified Jesus, now living beyond crucifixion in God’s holy presence, fills the heavenly space with his self-giving love on our behalf. Christ’s sacrifice is not for self-glory but to meet the need of humanity.

Biblical revelations suggests that the primary word to describe God is holy. Attending a Communion service recently, I was struck again by the words of the eucharistic chant: “Holy, holy, holy Lord; God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.” Sometimes we choose to pit God’s holiness against God’s love. But the crucified Jesus in God’s presence reminds us that the fire of God’s holiness is the fire of self-giving love. The Wholly Other is wholly for us!

Hence, we live now with the wonderful assurance that Christ has readied heaven for the arrival of people like you and me. We may wonder how sinful human beings can have the audacity to enter the presence of the holy God. On our own, we simply could not. But Christ, who is in God’s presence, has given himself utterly and completely on our behalf. We can enter the heavenly sanctuary without fear or shame. Human sin has been forgiven once and for all.

Prayer

Jesus, I realize that only your self-giving love has removed my sin. I eagerly await your coming. Amen.

By Trevor A. Hudson, The Upper Room Disciplines 2015, page 324.

Bible Study

“Heeding God’s Direction”

Bible Readings: Psalm 127:1-5, Hebrews 9:24-28

ZOOM Session

Monday, November 4, 2024, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
For Zoom Link, send email to [email protected]

IN-PERSON Session

Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Conference Room, McGee Building