A Powerful Death

Text: Hebrews 9:13-22

Theme: Christ’s death was necessary for our eternal inheritance and for our worship.

Key verses: “Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God…That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised to them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant. Now when someone leaves a will, it is necessary to prove that the person who made it is dead” (v. 13-16). “That is why even the first covenant was put into effect with the blood of an animal” (v. 18). “….(Moses) sprinkled blood on the Tabernacle and on everything used for worship. In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness” (V. 21b-22).

What God said to me: Dwayne, let’s start with the words, “Just think.” That’s where you need to begin today–thinking about me and mediating on my Word in this peaceful and serene moment I’m giving you in the courtyard of your hotel in Jo’burg. Focus on me. Listen to me. Glean from this passage the truth I want you to see and be reminded of. You couldn’t be on this training tour, teaching so many people about true worship to me, if not for the blood my Son spilled for you and for them. You wouldn’t have the assurance of an eternal inheritance with me in glory if not for my Son’s death on the cross. It was a necessary and powerful death that bought your redemption and opened up the way for you to worship me acceptably. It is not the quality of your singing or the volume of your instruments or the frequency of your praise that captures my attention and makes your worship acceptable in my sight. No, it is the profound fact that I look at you and see the blood of my Son sprinkled on your heart. No one can be forgiven without the shedding of blood, and no one can truly worship me unless they have put their faith in Jesus as Savior.

What I said to God: Majestic Lord and Savior, I humble myself before you now. You know the sin in my heart. You examine my every motive of my heart. Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my anxious thoughts. You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would bring it. You do want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. As Your eyes search to and fro across the earth, I pray that You will see and fully support me whose heart (I hope) is completely Yours. See if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in Your way everlasting.