Because, That's Why

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! 

For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

Hebrews 9:14-15 NIV (emphasis mine)

When I was a kid we used to have stupid arguments and sometimes one person would say, "Ya, but why?" and the other person would say, "Because, that's why." Now, the message of Hebrews, especially in these verses, is not some silly argument, rather, it one of crucial importance to our faith. 

The writer of Hebrews takes chapters six, seven, eight, nine and ten, to solidify in our hearts and minds the truth about the ministry of Christ as our High Priest. Christ's sacrifice sets us free from sin. His blood cleansed us so that we can serve him, the living God. 

Our conscience, sometimes paralyzes us. We fixate on the act of our sin. We need to fixate on the act of Christ. His sacrifice, which was once for all. For me, one truth that I must remember is that Christ didn't die to give me a second chance to be good enough, he died to cleanse me from all sin, so that I might serve the living God. If I am cleansed then I need to be focusing on serving him, not being good enough to serve him. 

He Meets Our Need

Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 

Hebrews 7:26 NIV

A few months ago I bought some hiking boots. They were low ankle style and a very good price. Since then I have used them several times and they don't quite meet my needs. Because they are a low ankle design I gather a lot of little rocks and things inside my shoes as I hike along. I think I need some hiking shoes that protect my ankles a bit more. I know this is a bit of a stretch, but, knowing Christ is not something we try and find out he doesn't quite meet our needs. He meets all our needs.

The author of Hebrews takes a great deal of time to explain the importance of Christ as our High Priest. I think it is very important that he reminds us that Christ meets our need. We don't come to him and suddenly realize he isn't enough. He is holy. He is our holiness. He is blameless, pure, set apart of sinners (us) and he is exalted above the heavens. His death on the cross, his intercession at the right hand of the Father, meets our need. 

Our need is to be reconciled with the Father, our Creator. Christ not only brings us back, but, he also keeps us. We are now part of the family, brought back home. He ever lives to intercede for us. He is right now...

GO AHEAD AND ASK

"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus". Hebrews 10:19

When I was around twenty I was blessed to be able to attend Capernwray Bible School in England. The head of the school befriended me and I spent a good amount of time hanging out with him. For a while I was struggling with something and I didn't want to talk to him because I knew he would cut straight to the chase. Finally I went to talk with him about what I was struggling with and when I told him he said, "I knew it, I was just waiting for you to come talk to me." There was no condemnation, just help.  

Sometimes we act like that with God. We try to fix ourselves before we go to God. When we get tired of just messing it up more, we go to him and he simply says, "I know, I've just been waiting for you to come to me." 

Is there something you have been trying to fix or make right before you really seek God? Whatever it is, he knows and he is just waiting for you to call upon him. 

Father, thank you for being so patient and loving. Thank you that you do not condemn us, you sent your One and Only Son to die for us! Praise be to you in us today!