“Every priest stands day after day ministering and offering the same sacrifices time after time, which can never take away sins. But this man, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. He is now waiting until His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified” – Hebrews 10:11-14
Jesus has claimed victory. He is seated on the throne with God. He has conquered sin and death, and scorned shame. When Adam and Eve ate of the fruit they were told not to, they instantly felt shame and clothed themselves (Genesis 3). Sin entered the world and continues to corrupt creation. Shame and guilt still hang on us all like a heavy robe.
But Jesus
Jesus came to earth and put on the suit of flesh. Our God became a man in order to take back what is rightfully His. And by His death on the cross, He despised and scorned shame (Hebrews 12:2). He put it back in its place. He became the boss and ruler once again. He allowed grace, forgiveness, and love to fill any places that sin and shame left their mark. He became King over all again.
He also became our Mediator. A human priest can constantly make sacrifices to the LORD both for himself and for others. Yet, it would never be enough to cover the sins of man. Every priest came and left from death like the ones before him.
Until Jesus
Jesus lived on earth, He died and became the ultimate sacrifice, pure and perfect. He rose again and broke the curse of sin and death. His sacrifice, because He was perfect, was sufficient for God to forgive all who choose Him as their Lord. His eyes only see pure and holy people in His family because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Those who have a relationship with Jesus are rescued and perfect before the almighty, living God. We no longer need a human priest to perform sacrifices on our behalf. Jesus did it. There’s no longer a sacrifice needed. He sits by the Father and is our constant “great high priest” (Hebrews 10:21).
Because of this we “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed in pure water. Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:22-23)
We can approach the throne of God Himself with confidence and boldness. We can come with our “prayers and petitions with thanksgiving” (Philippians 4:6) before our King because Jesus made a way on our behalf.
As we begin this new year, let’s remember who our God is. If you’ve chosen the God of Israel and the nations as your God, if Jesus is your Lover and Redeemer, you have this privilege to go before Him; to seek His counsel and wisdom, and to be filled with His love. You can be like Esther in the Bible going before the King with your requests, full of courage.
Let’s remember who this earth belongs to. God created it, He’s sustaining it, and He’s waiting for the Day of Victory. Jesus is seated. He’s content. He’s at peace. He’s just waiting for the day when “the enemies are made His footstool” (Hebrews 10:13) We don’t know when that will be, but it will be perfect whenever it comes. We aren’t to be afraid, nervous, or antsy. We’re supposed to be running the race, loving our God, devoted to His word, and to loving others. Our striving should be in our relationship with Him. The rest will fall into place. Be patient, endure, and trust the King of the heavens and earth with your life and the entire universe. It’ll all work out in His perfect timing.
