December 12, 2015:  SOAP #2200:

Scripture:  Hebrews (NIV) 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

Observation:   In the Old Testament tabernacle and temple, the High Priest would take the sacrifice for the sins of the people behind the curtain into the Holiest of Holies to present it before God on behalf of the people.  This had to be done every year on the day of atonement because the blood of animals did not cover the sins of man.  Those sacrifices were made in faith that God would one day provide a sacrifice that would indeed cover sin.  The blood of Jesus, the sinless man, in His death on the cross, was sufficient to cover the sins of man and needed only be made once!  Wow!

Application:  Jesus went before me and on my behalf.  He went before me because He is expecting me to follow Him!  He went on my behalf to do for me what I could not do for myself!

Prayer:   Lord, thank you for covering my sins so completely that I can stand unashamedly in the presence of a Holy God!  What an amazing sacrifice you made on my behalf!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!