19 And so, dear brothers, now we may walk right into the very Holy of Holies, where God is, because of the blood of Jesus. 20 This is the fresh, new, life-giving way that Christ has opened up for us by tearing the curtain—his human body—to let us into the holy presence of God. 21 And since this great High Priest of ours rules over God’s household, 22 let us go right in to God himself, with true hearts fully trusting him to receive us because we have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean and because our bodies have been washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22 TLB) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23 NKJV)
In such a world filled with great sorrows as has been so evidenced in Orlando over the past two weeks, where is the hope to which I can hold fast? Where do I find such a firm foundation that I might still hold onto a steadfast Joy that is undaunted by life’s storms? Can such hope be founded in mere “spiritualism” or religion? No, for mere spiritualism or religion do not hold the only hope on which we can stand—Jesus Christ!!
But this Man (Jesus Christ), after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. Hebrews 10:12-14 NKJV
My hope can only be found in Jesus Christ who was the perfect and ultimate sacrifice for my sins. The veil was torn in two as He shed His blood on Calvary’s cross. He was the only perfect sin-bearer. The only High Priest who could rip open the veil and provide a means that I might boldly stand before God’s throne of Grace. Jesus Christ is seated on the right hand of the Father forever making intercession for me.
We have over the last two weeks heard so much about the shooter in Orlando. We hear the bits and pieces as to what the news media want us to hear. Yet, we might wonder. If indeed this young man, himself was gay; why target the gay while proclaiming to do it in the name of ISIS? I cannot help but remember the statement of one Muslim co-worker years ago who said, “I must be very diligent to follow every rule of my faith; even then, I fear that I will never be able to do enough to cover the sins of my past.” He had little hope in a “religion” that depended upon his getting it right. Perhaps this young man, Omar Mateen, believed his only hope of being forgiven by “Allah” was to perpetrate such a horrendous act. A desperate, hopeless cry for redemption in a religion that can provide no hope of a firm foundation on which to stand.
16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:16-18 NKJV)
As Christians our hope is founded upon a Savior who removed the veil that we might come boldly before God. As we behold His Glory, we are transformed into His image. It is His work in us. We are not afraid, because we know that He is faithful to complete the work within us. By His one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
God, Himself wrote a new covenant which was completed by Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. That new covenant was that, God proclaimed:
“I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Hebrews 10:16-17
In Christ, I have been given everything I need. In Christ I am God’s redeemed, chosen, beloved, sanctified child, heir of the kingdom. Why would I ever worry and fret about anything? As I turn to keep my eyes focused on Jesus, God will continue His work of sanctification in my life. For that reason, I must also reach out to a world so desperately in need of hope and cry forth, “come and meet Jesus. He is the greatest treasure your heart could ever desire. He is the firm foundation who can promise you hope and joy in Him; founded upon the strength of His faithfulness!”
And we, who call ourselves Christians, let us never forget the Magnitude of Grace we have each been given.
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works (Hebrews 10:24)
My heart grieves for all those who lost their life that night in Orlando and my heart grieves for a desperate young man who entered into eternity not knowing the only hope for salvation, Jesus Christ.
Do you know Jesus as your Savior, your High Priest? If so, do you seek Him with all your heart? [tweetthis] Jesus is the love, peace, hope and joy Your heart desires!![/tweetthis] [bctt tweet=”Into a hopeless world of futile faith, Jesus came to give Hope and Redemption.” username=”effiedarlene”]
Pray with me. Come boldly before the throne of Grace because Jesus Christ tore open the veil with His Blood. Come and seek Him for He is worthy of all praise and glory!! Come just as you are, let Him cleanse you and wash away all your sins.
The song I chose today is one of my favorites. Come Thou Fount of Many Blessings
Living Bible (TLB) The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.