Hebrews 9:1-14

Be Still: Lord, I set this time apart to be aware of your presence with me. Guard my heart and mind as I seek you now. Amen

Read: Hebrews 9:1-14

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! (v14:) 

Encounter: Cleaning queen, Mrs Hinch, is never far from my socials with tips and tricks to keep on top of the external mess of my home - whether it’s a 5 min bathroom reset or a laundry overhaul, she leads the way. With a detailed step-by-step, your home - and by extension, your life - can appear squeaky clean. 

Except…she’s only offering external solutions to internal problems. Much like the religious leaders, under the old covenant, the process of cleaning (oneself) entailed special rooms, strict rules, and repeated sacrifices. The priests worked hard to follow every detail, but even then, those sacrifices could only deal with sin on the surface. They couldn’t fully change people on the inside.

Then Jesus came — and everything changed.

Instead of offering animals again and again, Jesus gave his own life, once and for all. His sacrifice didn’t just cover sin temporarily — it wiped it out completely. Because of him, we’re forgiven, made clean, and welcomed straight into God’s presence.

Apply: In which areas of your life are you trying to follow a step-by-step manual to achieve healing or freedom? Are you falling into the lie that you need to earn God’s love through your output?

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you know that you’re cleaned on the inside so you can live fully for God, not out of pressure or fear, but out of gratitude and love.

Devote: Lord Jesus, thank you for offering yourself as the perfect sacrifice. Renew my heart and mind and help me to follow you today with joy and gratitude. Teach me to rest in your finished work on the Cross.