Hebrews 10:1-18
Be Still: As I come to your Word now, shape my heart and mind in your Spirit to know you more. I choose to set this time aside to seek you.
Read: Hebrews 10:1-18
The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: ‘This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.’ Then he adds: ‘Their sins and lawless acts, I will remember no more.’ (vv15-17)
Encounter: We have a friend who, in his own words, ‘in a different life’, found himself on the wrong side of the law. Emerging back into society, with the price tag of a criminal record, he found getting others to see and to trust the transformation Jesus brought to his life in prison, a real barrier to gaining work. Every failed application reminded him of who he used to be. Cut out a few twists and turns, he eventually found work and life began to take shape again.
Yet what Jesus does for us is much greater than what a window cleaning company did for our friend. Jesus offers not a job, but a clean slate. Your record no longer defines you. You are given a new identity. Instead, God places his truth in our hearts and helps us grow into who he created us to be. We begin to make wiser choices, and live with purpose, not because we’re afraid of punishment, but because we’ve been given grace.
Apply: Often our shame and regret catch up with us. How are you holding on to shame from past decisions, or regret about past or current situations? Open your heart to God’s invitation to wipe clean the slate, to clear the record, and to gift you a new identity as his loved one.
Sometimes we can find ourselves counting the cost of others’ actions and keeping a list of their ‘lawless acts’. Who do you need to extend forgiveness to? The same forgiveness you yourself have received from God.
Devote: Thank you God that you give me a new start and a new identity in you. Let my mind be guarded by your truth. Help me to step into today with purpose and passion, pursuing you in all things.