Devotional 12-17-18

Hebrews 10:5-10

That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, “You do not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin. Then I said, “Look, I have come to do your will, 0 God-as is written about me in the scriptures.” First Christ said,” You did do not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them” (though they are required by the law of Moses).Then he said, “Look, I have come to do your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. For God’s will was for Us to be made Holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.

After reading this scripture, I wondered, what does this have to do with the Advent story? It is a story about the end of the journey and not the beginning. Then I began thinking about other birthdays and events we celebrate or acknowledge during the year. We celebrate events or birthdays of people who have made a significant difference in the lives of many people. Had Christ not given his life for our sins, he would have just been a a prophet or Rabbi, or other people who might have played a significant role in someone’s life, but hardly worth celebrating. That, I believe, is the reason for its inclusion this Advent season.

Let’s look at the scripture. It was written to the Hebrews who had accepted Jesus. They accepted him as their savior but thought they had to continue with the traditions of Mosaic Law. Paul tells them that the first covenant required burnt offerings and sin offerings to please God and to atone for their sins. This required frequent burnt flesh and sprinkling of fresh blood. Pretty messy.

Jesus came with a second covenant which cancelled the first. Jesus said the Lord does not want and is not pleased by these offerings. Jesus offered up his life as a sacrifice, once for all time, for our sins.

Thanks be to God!

Scott Ramsey