Hebrews 9 :: Death & Life

Reader:

Jesus is better.

As our Great High Priest, Jesus is the Minister of a better sanctuary and the Mediator of a better covenant based on better promises.

He is also a better sacrifice. With His own blood He has made the way into the Holiest of All, into presence of God for us. With His own blood He has provided remission. With His own blood He has put away our sin. With His own blood He has obtained eternal redemption. With His own blood he has cleansed our consciences from dead works to serve the living God. With His own blood He has put into force the better covenant.

We are eagerly waiting for Jesus to return. The first time He appeared was for sin. The second time is for salvation.

(Ex 24-40; Lev 16-17; Rev 21:3)

Zechariah 13 :: Names

Reader:

What’s your name?

Why? Because your name is your identity.

For instance, when you read the name, “John,” who comes to mind? Regardless of how many people you know that are named “John,” you can identify each individual separately. What you have experienced or observed about a particular “John” relates to how you define “John.”

Ultimately, we lack a tremendous amount of information as we attempt to define others, and even ourselves.

What about when you read the name of Jesus? How do you define Jesus? How does Jesus define Himself?

In Zechariah 13, we see the LORD exterminating the names, the identities, the definitions of God that are sourced apart from His self-revelation.

When we call on the name of Jesus for salvation, for life, when we say that, “The LORD is my God,” God answers and says, “[You] are My people.” Because He is our God and we are His people, He will not tolerate any other gods in our lives.

May He cut off every idol from the landscape of our minds and hearts. May we receive our new names, our new identities, from Him.

Ephesians 1:7-10 :: Redeemed