Daily Reading: 17 January
(from www.christianaid.org.uk)
Freedom from the past
Something to read
Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered year after year, make perfect those who approach. Otherwise, would they not have ceased being offered, since the worshippers, cleansed once for all, would no longer have any consciousness of sin? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sin year after year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins… But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, ‘he sat down at the right hand of God’, and since then has been waiting ‘until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet.’ For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.
- Hebrews 10:1-4, 12-14.
Something to think about
When my cat came home with a cut paw that wouldn’t stop bleeding, I hoped the vet would be able to stitch him up and that would be that. But over the next six months, he was diagnosed with a rare cancer and his leg was eventually amputated. With all that was going on, I completely forgot about the more routine animal care, and missed his annual booster jab. So poor Theo needed to start a course of vaccinations all over again. I’m still waiting for him to forgive me!
Fortunately, Jesus’ answer to our sin problem needs no boosting, renewing or repeating. The writer to the Hebrews goes to great lengths to let us know that Jesus’ sacrifice was a unique, one-time event, and the other New Testament writers affirm the same: ‘Christ suffered for our sins once for all time’ (1 Peter 3:18), and ‘The death he died, he died to sin once for all’ (Romans 6:10).
That means that the ultimate remedy for the brokenness of the world has already been found. Nothing more is needed, but for us to choose to live as the forgiven and redeemed people that we are.
Something to do
Look back on something for which you have continued to feel guilty or struggled to let go of in your past. As you have for the last two days, draw or write a representation of it, and burn it.
Something to pray
Jesus, Lamb of God, thank you that your death and resurrection were once-for-all events. Help me to lay down any guilt and shame I carry, and to live in the light of your freedom and forgiveness. Amen.
Today’s contributor is Rev Claire Jones