LIVING HOPE - Reading With the People of God: Part 18ಮಾದರಿ

Covenant & Righteousness Through Jesus’ Blood: A Reflection on Isaiah 56 and Hebrews 13

Isaiah 56 and Hebrews 13, though separated by centuries of time, both include God’s covenant and righteousness through Christ’s fulfillment. Isaiah 56:1 (NASB) calls the Israelites to “preserve justice and do righteousness, for My salvation is about to come and My righteousness to be revealed.” Isaiah calls God’s people to obedience to choose what God pleases and hold fast to His covenant.

The entire Old Testament points us to the cross, to the final sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Savior. At the cross God’s covenant was fulfilled. Jesus’s blood became the propitiation for our sins, He is the one who satisfied God’s wrath against sin. It is nothing that we do, Jesus did it all.

So why do good? Hebrews 13, the final chapter of the book, concludes with God’s moral directions. These are not directions for salvation. Hebrews 13:16 (NASB) “And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” We do good because this is what pleases God. Out of our gratefulness for the salvation He has given us, we live for Him and in a way that pleases Him.

Prayer: I thank you Lord that You do not save me by my deeds, but by Your blood that washes me white as snow. Guide me, mold me, and make me a vessel that pleases You. How great and marvelous is Your name. AMEN!

Primer contributed by Wendy Vander Dussen.