Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

December 13: Hebrews 9-11

Scripture: Hebrews (NIV) 9:13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.
14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

Observation: The Old Testament Law defined sin and gave instructions as to what sacrifice would be accepted ceremonially to cover those sins. Those animal sacrifices were an acknowledgment of guilt and an expression of faith that God would provide a future sacrifice that could really take away sin! When the Son of God, unstained by any sin, made a blood sacrifice for our sins, there was no longer any need for the animal sacrifices. If God accepted the animal sacrifices on our behalf, how much more will he accept the sacrifice of His own sinless Son!

Application: I see the animal sacrifices as interest-only payments on borrowed money. They acknowledge the debt, but do nothing toward paying it off. Jesus death on the cross completely covers the debt and no more interest-only payments are needed.

Prayer: Lord, Thank you Lord for paying my sin debt. May my appreciation be easily seen by those around me. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!