Daily Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Read additional translations at Biblegateway.com or youversion.com
Reflection Questions:
Hebrews, as its title suggests, probably spoke to Jewish Christians facing persecution. These verses use terms from the Old Testament Temple. The Most Holy Place was the place of God’s presence. The Ark of the Covenant rested there until Babylon destroyed Jerusalem. Only the High Priest could enter it, and only once a year (the Day of Atonement).
- This passage points to a crucial kind of belonging. The blood of Jesus, it says, gives us “confidence to enter the Most Holy Place.” How does that speak to ideas of a far-away, aloof God who is frightening and forbidding? How much confidence do you have that you’ve found your spiritual home with God?
- We all need encouragement to keep us going at times. That’s what the writer to the Hebrews had in mind: “let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (verse 24). When have you needed trusted people to give you a boost in your life of faith? When have you done that for someone else?
Read Rev. Andrew Conard’s insights on today’s scripture at gpsinsights.wordpress.com
Weekly Prayer:
Dear God, with keen insight the early Hebrew storytellers showed you saying it was “not good” for a human to be alone—even in the “very good” Garden of Eden. Too many of us today feel alone in our stories. Grant me wisdom to address any causes of isolation that lie within me. Help me see more clearly the way to healthy community—in small groups I’m part of and in my congregation. Help me find the spiritual home you offer me. Amen.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, TODAY’S NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 2001, 2005 by International Bible Society®. Used by permission of International Bible Society®. All rights reserved worldwide.
