WordLive - Year OneSample

Prepare: As you prepare to read God’s Word today, can you remember something you’ve done for which you need forgiveness?

Again and again
Some years ago, I saw a T-shirt with a slogan that could have been my motto, ‘Please be patient. God’s not finished with me yet.’ So often I decide not to do something again, or never to speak in a certain way. Then a few days later, I realise I’ve slipped up again. Can you identify? It is so hard to stay good.

The people in Old Testament times had the same problem. No matter how they tried, they kept sinning. And each sin demanded a sacrifice. As a result, the priests had to offer sacrifices over and over (v 11).

Perfection is assured
Then Jesus came into the world. He offered himself as a one-off sacrifice for our sins. Yes, for all of them. Take a closer look at verse 14. Whom did Christ make perfect? Those who are in the process of being made holy. We’re not there yet, and God knows that. Yet perfection is assured – in the future.

We may remember our sins, but see how long God remembers them (v 17). For that reason, we no longer need sin sacrifices (v 18). Even though I continually mess up, Christ’s sacrifice has guaranteed me a place in heaven, and he’ll keep working on me until I go to him one day, perfect and holy.

Respond: Bring to the Lord the area you thought of before the reading, and thank him for his continual act of forgiveness. Ask him to help you forgive yourself.

http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-05-03