The Firstborn Among Many Brethren
DAY 35 WRITTEN BY: TRE WIGGINS-
Romans 8:29
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
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Have you ever tried to do something that required detailed attention without any plan whatsoever? Perhaps you’ve done something that required careful planning willy-nilly and found the result to be disastrous. Plans are good and it often helps keep us focused on the task at hand.
In Romans 8:28, believers are assured that everything that happens *to* us, is ultimately happening *for* us. God is always working out everything in accordance with His plan. If we’re called according to His purpose, we know that no matter how bad things get, He will always be faithful to us. That’s because Romans 8:29 tells us that God has planned everything from the foundation of the universe. God is not the type to allow chaos. After all, He is a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:33). And that’s the confidence we have before Him, that in his ordering and planning, He has not only “foreknown” (as in knowing about something prior), but He has also “predestined” (as in appointing something beforehand) believers to be conformed into Christ’s image. God’s plan has always been for His people to be set apart for one reason: to be made more like Jesus. He’s ordained this from before time began (Ephesians 1:3-5). He’s done it all because He loves us. He leaves nothing to chance. A God like that is a God to be trusted. Receive this care toward you today in Christ.
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Father, what comfort it is to know that You are sovereign. We know that you are never “hands-off”, but that you are intimately involved with every circumstance in our lives to ensure that we are made more holy. Help us press into that direction today, being made less like us and more like Jesus.
God’s Firstborn
DAY 34 WRITTEN BY: RYAN PEDERSON-
Psalm 89:27
I will also make him my firstborn, greatest of the kings of the earth.
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The subject of the highlighted verse, King David, is one of the most celebrated kings in all of Biblical history. At first a humble shepherd, David through unshakable faith is turned into a war hero, Army General, and eventually King of Israel. God’s hand was certainly on King David as he sent the rock from the slingshot, built up the city of Jerusalem, and penned many of the Psalms we read today.
At the time, a first born son was the most beloved of the children because he would carry on the family name into the next generation. But, David was not a literal first-born. In fact, he was the youngest of seven sons. So why was he given such a prominent position in God’s kingdom?
As we see with many famous biblical characters (like Joseph for instance), God doesn’t care about earthly status or birth order. He cares about those with an obedient heart to do His will. We can confirm this in 1 Samuel 13:14 where David is described in being a man after God’s own heart.
Jesus, God’s true firstborn, is the greater David. He shares a heart with the Father, and imparts that to us through salvation when he trades his righteousness for our sin. We have the opportunity to glorify the Father by allowing the Son to work in and through us.
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Father, thank you for welcoming me into your family and treating me as one of your firstborn children. Thank you for the gift of Jesus, who lays his righteousness upon me despite my sin. May the gift of salvation never appear dull in my eyes. I cherish the blessing of your Son. Amen.
Heir of All Things
DAY 33 WRITTEN BY: RON ANSPAUGH-
Hebrews 1:1-4
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son. God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through Him. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. So he became superior to the angels, just as the name he inherited is more excellent than theirs.
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Hebrews was written to encourage Jewish Believers during a time when Christians were suffering great persecution following the Great Fire in A.D. 64. Jewish Believers, now referred to as Christians, were considering giving up Christianity and returning to Judaism — which, unlike Christianity, was legally recognized by the Romans.
The writer of Hebrews challenges the people to remain strong. He advises them that, even though they may find comfort in following their former beliefs and rituals, the One they have come to believe in is greater than anything or anyone in the Old Testament.
Over and over again Hebrews makes the case that Christ, the Son, is better than the old way and the old covenant. In fact, the word “better” can be found 12 times. Jesus superiority to all rivals is the central theme woven throughout the Book of Hebrews.
Jesus Christ is better than the angels, the High Priests, Joshua, Moses, He made a better sacrifice and established a better Covenant that ensures the old ways to be obsolete. And, most importantly, that Faith in Christ is a much better way to live.
As a close friend recently said…. “He is better than anything!”
God is the Father of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Son.
Today, while most of us may not be facing the same persecution as the Jewish Christians found in Hebrews, nor do we have our heart steeped in Jewish Tradition, we all face discouragement. Hebrews reminds us to hold firm to our Faith.
Dr. David Jeremiah quotes a Christian University President friend who often encourages his students by reminding them…
“It is always too soon to quit!”
Words that hold true for us. If we are honest there are times we just feel like giving up. Hebrews reminds us to persevere, to keep going, to focus on our Lord & Savior — holding close to the patience and strength only the Holy Spirit provides. With Jesus, the Son of Man, on our side “it’s always too soon to quit!”
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Father God, we’re so thankful for the encouragement You have given us through your Son, and the guidance provided us through the writer of Hebrews. We pray that the Holy Spirit will etch these words into our heart. Oh Lord help me to lay aside every burden, every doubt, every chain, and every sin that has a stronghold in my life. Allow me to run with endurance the race You have laid out for me. May we do so in a way that will truly Honor and Glorify You. In Jesus Name. Amen.
The Word
DAY 32 WRITTEN BY: PEYTON MAGANN-
John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
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The Gospel of John is a divinely inspired eyewitness account about the life of Jesus, “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:31
To better understand “in the beginning was the Word”, we have to continue reading through Chapter 1 verse 14, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” The Word, whom John was referring, was the person of Jesus Christ. The verse goes on to say that the Word was not only with God, but He was God! Scripture continues to back up this claim in verses 2-3, “He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him and apart from Him, not one thing was created.”
The Gospel of John teaches us that growth in the knowledge of God comes from believing and knowing Jesus Christ — the Eternal Word and one and only Son of God, who was with God and was God. It is through the Word that Gods plan of salvation was spoken and is being fulfilled. John shares this with us, so that we who know Him and believe in His Word, would share the Word of God with the unbelieving world around us — so that they may have life in His name.
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Heavenly Father, thank you for the Eternal Word, in whom I have everlasting life. Enable me, by your Spirit, to put believing and knowing the Word of God into action, through obedience to your scripture and proclaiming your Holy name.
Lord
DAY 31 WRITTEN BY: TRE WIGGINS-
John 20:28
Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
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Have you ever been unfairly labeled? Perhaps someone called you a certain name or issued you a nickname that didn’t seem to fit or to see the whole picture. Jesus’ disciple, Thomas, gets this treatment. Do you remember what he’s often called? Doubting Thomas. That label is from his time of questioning Jesus’ resurrection. He said he couldn’t believe unless he saw the actual holes in Jesus’ hands showing the spots where the nails pierced His hands during His crucifixion. After all, It was a difficult thing to imagine, someone coming back from the dead.
But here, Thomas is redeeming himself by arguably making the strongest statement that anybody in the gospels make about Jesus: “My Lord and my God!” What is He saying here? Number one, Jesus is Lord. Thomas is acknowledging that Jesus is the sole authority in his life. Jesus is his master, and he submits to Jesus in all things. Then, he makes a claim of Jesus’ divinity. This was the primary hang-up of people who denied Jesus’ claims. They would not believe He was God. Yet, He was. And Thomas makes this profession before the other disciples. Jesus does not condemn Thomas, but rather offers a rebuke: blessed are the ones who believe who Jesus is without seeing. Blessed are we, indeed, who make this same profession. Without this profession, there is no relationship with God. Have you recognized Jesus as Lord and God? How about leading others to do the same?
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Father, we thank you for this inclusion in the Scriptures. If we’re honest, we too have less than stellar records when it comes to our faith and belief. At times we waver. Other times we doubt. But you were gracious to Thomas who was struggling in his belief. Show us the same grace, Father, when we fall short. Ultimately, we believe Jesus is Lord and God. Help us to remember that when doubt comes calling. We trust you’ll never leave us!
Beloved Son
DAY 30 WRITTEN BY: MARIE BRUNER-
Matthew 17:5
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
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Today’s passage is God’s declaration following the momentous Transfiguration experience during which Peter, James, and John see Jesus in a whole new way – they get a glimpse of His glory. Impulsive Peter responds quickly with a plan to set up tents for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah.
Then God. He makes it very clear. While he [Peter] was still speaking, God spoke. He spoke from a bright cloud (think back to His presence in Exodus) and He makes a defining declaration: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
Not only does God clearly set Jesus apart and above everyone else, God the Father establishes Jesus’ divine identity – He is the Son of God. Period. Secondly, God echoes the statement He made at Jesus’ baptism – “with him I am well pleased.” Why? Why was God well-pleased with Jesus?
Think about it: in both instances, His baptism and His transfiguration, the glory of God was revealed, and His purposes were being fulfilled – God was pleased in the revelation of His glory and His will being done. In Matthew 17:5 a command is added to the Father’s declaration of love and affirmation of delight when He states: “Listen to Him!”
It seems obvious, doesn’t it? Listen to Jesus. Follow His Words because He is the Word [the Word made flesh who dwelt among us – John 1:14]. If there were ever a motivation to be in the Word, it was the command shared at the Transfiguration – Listen to Him! Don’t just hear His words, heed them! [Be doers of the word and not hearers only – James 1:22]. And not just the red letters – He is the Word and the totality of scripture points to Him.
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Father God, may our hearts and ears be inclined toward You. May our ears be open to Your Word and may Your words dwell in us so richly that Your glory is revealed in and through us. May you find pleasure in our obedience as we listen to and respond to Your Word.
Son of God
DAY 29 WRITTEN BY: MADELINE PEDERSON-
John 1:34
I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.
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John publicly introduced Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, for whom he had prepared the way. John introduces Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the Sins of the world” (John 1:29), suggesting that the Messiah would die, like a lamb offered in sacrifice for the cleansing of sin. John then pointed out that he himself was not at first certain that Jesus was the Messiah, but when he saw the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus at his baptism, he was left in no doubt. Therefore John testifies that Jesus truly is the Son of God, the lamb of God who will take away the sins of the world.
John’s testimony is powerful and wavering with no doubt that he truly is the Son of God. Although we may not have seen the Holy Spirit quite like John, we must be on the lookout for how God works in our lives. We must be on the lookout for how God is revealing himself in the Word. Like John, we are to testify about God and the finished work that he accomplished on the cross for us.
Because of Jesus, we are given the free gift of Salvation and it is a privilege to testify about Him and the truth of His Word.
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Lord, thank you for sending your only begotten Son into the world to be our Saviour. Thank You for the truth of Your Word and the testimony that it contains. I pray, that our life may be a testimony and witness to the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Saviour of the world.
The Foundation
DAY 28 WRITTEN BY: DALLAS WHITE-
Isaiah 28:16
Therefore the Lord God said: “Look, I have laid a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will be unshakable.
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At this time, the city of Samaria served as the capital of the Northern Kingdom. It was — by all accounts — a beautiful city, one that sat like a crown upon the summit of the valley (Is. 28:1). But, because of their city’s prestige, the people of Samaria had grown prideful. Rather than trusting in the Lord, the people of Samaria placed their hope in the fortifications that they’d fabricated. So sure, were they, of themselves, that they lived lives of extravagant luxury, giving little thought to their need for the Lord. Their arrogance angered Almighty God; it was an affront to His glory.
But, it wasn’t just the Samaritans who had succumbed to this sinful self-sufficiency, their Jewish neighbors had as well. Jerusalem — the seat of the Southern Kingdom — had become equally vain. Unwilling to obey the Lord or listen to His prophet Isaiah, God pronounced judgment upon His people.
Through His prophet, the Lord tells His people: everything you’ve trusted in is about to fall apart…you’re about to realize that what you’ve constructed your life on cannot sustain you. But — just like the Lord — even His judgment is enveloped in His love. Here, He’s promising them a more sure foundation, a more formidable cornerstone…one that will not ever crumble, crack, or fade.
This cornerstone is Jesus, God’s Son.
Today, just like the men and women of Israel, we tend to construct our lives on things that are temporal rather than eternal. If we’re not careful, we begin to trust more in ourselves and our accomplishments than we do the Lord. God, in His kindness, refuses to leave us to ourselves. The hardships we experience are often His way of reminding us to build our lives on Christ (and Christ alone). He is a precious cornerstone and a sure foundation. Jesus is the stone who can never be shaken.
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Father, help me to build my life upon the Lord Jesus today. I want to die to self so that I can surrender afresh and a new to Him. Remind throughout the day not to put my hope or trust in anyone or anything other than you…for you are good and I want to build my life upon your love!
The Builder
DAY 27 WRITTEN BY: MADELINE BECKHAM-
Hebrews 3:3-6
Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be said in the future. But Christ is faithful as a Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
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In this passage, the author of Hebrews notes that where Moses was a faithful servant in God’s house, Christ is the builder of the house – and God is the builder of everything. This house, as revealed in v. 6, is us – the church. Who could have dreamed that the temple of Solomon, in all its splendor, was merely a placeholder for the house that God would ultimately build through Christ! Instead of living in a temple of gold or stone, God has chosen to make his dwelling place one of flesh. Despite our scarcity and propensity toward failure, he has made his home with us. Jesus modeled this during his life on Earth – as he told the teacher who desired to follow him in Matthew 8: “foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Jesus - God incarnate - lived among his disciples, staying only where he was welcomed and invited. Now, through the Holy Spirit, our very bodies are the temple where he dwells, as 1 Corinthians 6:19 assures us.
Such a beautiful gift of condescension on the part of God may elicit a response like this: “If God has chosen me as his temple, I need to get to work, building myself up in righteousness that I might be a worthy place for him to dwell.” Our nature as humans in the image of God is to build, to create, to imagine. As early as the tower of Babel, we have been working fruitlessly to build our way up to the heavens. Psalm 127 tells us that unless the Lord purposes to build a house, the workers labor in vain. But hallelujah – what a comforting revelation Hebrews 3 brings us: that God is the builder, and we are his house. Let’s lay down our tools and our striving and submit humbly to God without fear! We can have confidence, along with Paul in Philippians 1:6, that he who began a good work in us will carry it to completion in the day of Christ Jesus.
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God, I am so thankful that we don’t have to build our way to you. Thank you for the profound sacrifice of Jesus, who is at once the builder of the house and the cornerstone on which it is founded. Thank you for your word – it is truly sweeter than honey. The wonder of who you have revealed yourself to be in Christ is more precious than rubies – you are the treasure worth selling everything else for. Forgive my prideful and faithless striving and give me a clean heart that humbly walks in the good works that you have prepared in advance for me. As the Psalmist writes in Psalm 84, “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”
Strong Tower
DAY 26 WRITTEN BY: KEN BRUNER-
Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.
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Throughout scripture, we are reminded that our God is our protector and faithful Savior. There are so many passages that expound upon God’s saving character; a great example is found in Psalm 18:2:
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
As we read the psalm, we are reminded of the power and strength found in God and in His presence. However, today’s passage views God’s power through another lens – that of His name. In Hebrew culture, a name was not just simply a label; it was meant to express the character of the person.
Think about it. When you call upon the name of the Lord or cry out to God, you are invoking His power in your life. You are literally running into a formidable tower that can protect and safeguard you.
Look into the image a little deeper – His name is a strong tower. The language evokes imagery that includes a fortress that is tall and well-built, able to withstand any attacks. There is that sense of being “above the fray,” able to look down and gain perspective of the battle.
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our battles are spiritual ones; what an encouragement to know that our victory is found within the tower that is the name of the Lord.
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Gracious God, we cry out to you and call upon the name of the Lord. We are grateful that your name is that which protects and safeguards us from our enemies. We are protected and safe in your presence. May we run to you as a child runs to his father, knowing that You are our rock, our strength, and our fortress. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
The Rock That Is Higher Than I
DAY 25 WRITTEN BY: KATIE GROGAN-
Psalm 61:2
From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
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David wrote this Psalm when he was likely far from home and on the run for his life; seeking shelter and safety from either Absalom his son or from Saul. When he says “I call to you when my heart is faint” David is speaking from a place of experience. He has seen God’s hand of protection before and knows that God will hear his cry again. When his heart is faint or overwhelmed, he is recognizing his need for God’s sovereign help. David has declared in the past that God is his strength, his refuge and the God who is steadfast in love (Psalm 59:17). He knows that he can rely on God to get him through desperate and difficult times. He is confident that the only way he can find rest and shelter is in the Lord directing his steps. God is his “rock”, the one whose ways are higher than his.
Like David, we can cry out to God in our time of need and desperation and know that He is our rock, our fortress who will lead us and guide us in His grace because He loves us. David chose to take his circumstance to the Lord, seeking comfort and rest in God. He called out to God in prayer (in the form of a song) bringing his request before God with assurance that the rock of salvation knows better than he. God is in control.
Have you ever felt like David? Completely overwhelmed? Drowning in anxiety and fear over life’s difficulties and trials that come your way? God tells us to “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10. We can rest in this promise! He is the God who sees and cares, He is our rock.
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Lord thank you for listening to me when I call out to you in prayer. Thank you for your promises that you are my help and my source of strength; no matter what I walk through in this life you promise to lead and guide me because of your great love for me. Remind me daily to put my hope and trust in the One whose ways are higher than mine.
The Rock of My Refuge
DAY 24 WRITTEN BY: JULIE WELBORN-
Psalm 94:22
But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
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When I think of the words “fortress” and “refuge,” my mind immediately thinks “safety.” In the thirty-one translations of this verse that I looked up, other words were used: High place, secure height, stronghold, high tower, defender. The image that immediately comes to mind is of a battle and a place of safety, security and shelter. A place to rest from the battle, to refresh and prepare my next move. A shelter where I can regroup and replenish my energy.
When you read this chapter in its entirety, you see someone calling out to the Lord to avenge the innocent and destroy the wicked. This man is calling for pay back against those who are evil, who are arrogant and oppressing other people. It is a call for God to stand up for the widow and the fatherless. It is a call of frustration and brokenness.
The earth is not a place for perfect justice. There are many battles we must face every day. Some are in our control, but so many are out of our control. It is so easy to become overwhelmed and overcome by feelings of defeat. God knows this. He never intended for us to fight these battles alone. He calls us to come to Him. Take refuge in the rock that cannot be moved or shaken.
Our Father in Heaven sees all. Nothing gets by His attention. Our King is still on His throne. In Him we can take refuge from this broken world and hide in His power, His strength and His love. When we are in a season of being overwhelmed from all the battles in this world, take some time to stop and take shelter in the presence of Almighty God. Let God refresh and replenish your soul. God will never leave us or forsake us. Rest in His presence.
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God, our Father, thank you that I can come to you. I can shelter in your presence and lay down all my burdens before you. You know what I need before I ask, you provide a way when it seems a way is not possible. Help me today, Lord, to remember where my help comes from. Help me today to stay strong in your arms. Go before me, Lord, and direct my path, my thoughts and my steps and help me to honor you in all I do and say. Amen.
My Rock & My Fortress
DAY 23 WRITTEN BY: JON GROGAN-
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock, and my redeemer.
Psalm 31:3
For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me;
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The book of Psalms is a book of the Bible that many of us are drawn to time and time again. A book that contains 150 poems and prayers that express a variety of emotions toward God. Throughout the Psalms the Lord is referred to as our rock and our fortress. Psalm 19 is a celebration of the glory of God, as our Maker. David prays that his words and his heart would be pleasing to the Lord, his rock. In the previous chapter (18), also written by David, he calls the Lord his rock because in Him he finds shelter and safety in times of trouble.
In Psalm 31 David is seeking refuge and help from God. As he cries out to God he calls him his rock and fortress. He has confidence that the Lord will lead and guide him through the times of trouble that he is experiencing. As Christ followers we should also find comfort in knowing the Lord is with us in times of trouble we may experience in our lives. How many times do we feel worn out, troubled, and in need of help? What an encouragement that David, a man after God’s own heart, experienced those same feelings and as a result sought help from God.
Nahum 1:7 says, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those whose trust in him.” The Lord is a stronghold, a rock, and fortress. Take comfort in that truth. He sees you, he hears your prayers, and he is with you always.
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Heavenly father, you are good. You are my rock and my fortress. I have confidence in knowing that no matter what I am going through you are constant. You are my shelter, and you are my protection. I pray that my words and heart are acceptable in your sight and that you would continue to guide me each day. Help me to meditate on your truth and keep my focus on things that are pleasing to you.
The Rock
DAY 22 WRITTEN BY: TRE WIGGINS-
Psalm 18:2
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
2 Samuel 22:47
The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation…
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In Psalm 18, David calls God his rock. To him, God is a place of stability. Somewhere that David can stand without stumbling. One thing this communicates is the fact that God doesn’t change. We change because we’re human. God doesn’t change. He’s perfect. Only when we understand that God doesn’t change can we begin to place our confidence in Him. What confidence can we have in someone who changes? Instead, we know what to expect from God because the Scriptures reveal who He is to us, and He never changes.
Then, “My fortress” David calls Him. Picture here a stronghold that cannot be moved. Imagine if David would have said, “My armor!” Armor provides some protection, but a fortress provides complete protection and safety. God can be trusted as our truest security.
“My stronghold”, David says. Some versions of the Scriptures have “high tower”. The idea is a place that David cannot be reached. He cannot be harmed where God has Him. God is His protector.
In this Psalm, David is in need of help from his enemies. Many times in the Old Testament, salvation is tied to a particular physical deliverance God’s people need from Him. So, when an OT writer talks about God saving them, they usually mean physically (i.e. the exodus). Ultimately, God comes through for His people. He is an immovable rock that we can trust and always stand on.
Where are you needing the unchanging God to come through for you today? What are you standing in fear of? Instead, be reminded that you can stand on the Rock and He will ensure that you are taken care of. Trust Him!
The only reason any of that matter is because “the Lord lives.” Because He does, you can face today.
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Father, help me face today with confidence. Not in myself, but in Your power. You can do whatever you please (Psalm 115:3), so I ask that it would please you to come to my aid in my current problem or situation. You know what I need, so I ask you to meet that need today. I trust that if it’s in keeping with Your will, You’ll hear me and answer.
Intercessor
DAY 21 WRITTEN BY: JACOB BAGLEY-
Hebrews 7:25
Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them.
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The book of Hebrews is often explained to be a book of exhortation. We can look at it as a sermon in manuscript form. The goal of a good sermon is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in ways that will resonate with the audience.
The Hebrew audience was not ignorant of Jesus, they were actually a group of culturally Jewish Christians. This audience is familiar with the good news of Jesus Christ, but the author felt it important to remind them of that truth. This may seem redundant to others outside of the faith, but it is intentional for those of us who have been brought into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. A good sermon reminds God's people of his goodness.
Hebrews 7 is full of language referencing the Levitical priests. These priests were vital to the Jews because they acted as intercessors for the Jewish people. Without these priests, the Jews would have no way to communicate with God or atone for their sins. The problem with these intercessors, though, was that their position lacked the power to completely atone for the sins of man, and one of the primary reasons for this is that ultimately each of these priests would be defeated by the curse of sin, death.
Hebrews 7:25 reminds us of a priest who would never be defeated by death, but actually defeated death! There is no tradition sufficient enough to save us, there is nothing in our power that can completely atone for our sins, there is only one, and His name is Jesus. We are reconciled to God through Christ's intercession on our behalf. He is our great intercessor, and it is because of his great love for us that we can now enjoy our God forever! Let us not be held captive by our old ways, but let's live in light of our newness of life!
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Thank you Jesus for the grace that covers me daily. I pray for wisdom and clarity to see that grace each and every day in order that I may pursue the eternal security that is found in you. Give me the ability to let go of the things of this world that I sought for security, and give me the strength to cling to you!
A Sacrifice
DAY 20 WRITTEN BY: IAN SCHNEIDER-
Ephesians 5:2
and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.
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In the heart of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, nestled within a call for a renewed life, lies a profound command: "… and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:2). This verse encapsulates an essence of Christian living - a life of sacrificial love modeled after Christ Himself.
Some context for this verse (Ephesians 4:25-5:2) provides a vivid contrast between the old self and the new self in Christ. Paul urges believers to discard falsehood, anger, theft, and corrupt talk - remnants of their former lives. Instead, they are to embrace kindness, forgiveness, and love, mirroring God's character. These instructions are not mere moral guidelines but an invitation to participate in the divine nature, a transformation made possible through Christ’s sacrifice.
God, in His great love, sent Christ to offer Himself as a sacrifice. This sacrificial love is not just the foundation of our salvation; it should be the model for our daily interactions. In Christ’s self-giving, we find the ultimate example of love that is not self-seeking but seeks the welfare of others.
To walk in love as Christ did means to actively seek ways to love sacrificially. It’s in our everyday choices - forgiving others as we have been forgiven, serving without expecting anything in return, and speaking words that build up rather than tear down. This love is not a passive feeling but an active doing, mirroring the love that Christ has shown us.
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Holy Spirit, help me to respond to Jesus’ sacrificial love by being a conduit of that love to others. Help me to actively seek opportunities to demonstrate Christ-like love today. Whether that’s forgiving someone who has wronged me, offering a helping hand without being asked, or speaking words of encouragement, let my actions reflect the sacrificial, selfless love of Christ. Help me remember that my walking in love is both a response to and a reflection of the love Christ has poured out for me. Today, may I walk in the presence of God, under His authority, and for His glory. Amen.
Lamb of God
DAY 19 WRITTEN BY: HOLLY SQUIRES-
John 1:29
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
Revelation 7:9
After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands.
Revelation 13:8
All those who live on the earth will worship it, everyone whose name was not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slaughtered.
Revelation 5:12
They said with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!
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The Gospel of John was written with one intention: that we might believe. John’s desire was to bear witness of Jesus. John has baptized Jesus and Jesus has been tempted in the wilderness for forty days. John notices Jesus approaching him and although there are many ways he could have identified him, he chose “the Lamb of God.”
We should take note of this name.
The lamb has been used as a sacrificial symbol throughout the Old Testament. John calling him the lamb of God not only rightly identifies the sacrifice that Christ would make, but also shows how that sacrifice would make a way for us to be reconciled with God.
Just as God sent a substitution when He called Abraham to sacrifice his son, God sent the ultimate substitution in Christ for us. John recognizes that Jesus being the ultimate sacrifice would be his greatest work. Because of sin, John knew there was a need and he knew God had sent the ultimate sacrifice. The Lamb of God. John is announcing that Jesus would die as a sacrifice for the sin of the world. Sometimes as believers we take our salvation for granted. Salvation is not something we earn but something God gives. The sacrifice of the lamb of God has the ability to forgive all sin of every sinner. May we not forget that God sent Jesus to bear the sin of all mankind.
Just as the religious leaders missed who Christ was, we often times take this for granted and miss the weight of His sacrifice.
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Thank you Father for the gift of Jesus’ sacrificial love and mercy. Thank you for sending your son, who lived a perfect life, to bear the weight of the sin of the world. Lord, we know that you are the only source of our salvation. Remind us daily of the ultimate sacrifice that was made on the cross. Worthy is the lamb who was slain!
High Priest
DAY 18 WRITTEN BY: JACOB BAGLEY-
Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.
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I remember when I was a kid hopping off the bus stop and being so excited to get home and eat some ramen noodles for a snack, knowing good and well that I was going to eat dinner about 2 hours later. I still vividly remember hearing my mom tell me to “keep in mind, we’re having dinner soon” as an effort to sway me into eating something a little… lighter. You’ve probably heard that statement “keep in mind” before. My mom was telling me to set my focus on the fact that dinner will be coming in a couple of hours, and I should not ruin my appetite with such a delicious, salty, affordable microwavable treat. We set our focus on facts every day that help determine how we interact with the world around us.
The author of Hebrews is telling us to “consider” or “keep in mind” Jesus. Let’s set our focus on the fact of who Jesus is. The word “therefore” points us back to chapter 2 in which we learned who Jesus is: a loving savior, who stepped down from his position above the angels to make himself lower than the angels “so that by God’s grace he might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:17-18 tells us that Jesus had to be like us in every way “so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.”
Holy brothers and sisters, keep this truth in mind, we have a great high priest who empathizes with us in every way. We have a great high priest who acts as a perfect mediator between us and our father. We have a great high priest who loves us so much that he gave up every status of glory so that we could share in glory with Him for eternity. Let us consider Him without ceasing.
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Father, give me the ability to clearly and consistently consider the truth of the Gospel. Soften my heart as I pursue my savior, and bring forth to mind the beautiful truths of who he is and what he did on my behalf. Draw me closer to you. Amen.
The Temple
DAY 17 WRITTEN BY: Ben biesecker-
Revelation 21:22
I did not see a temple in it, because the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.
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In the closing vision of the Revelation given to John, God reveals the fortune lying in wait for Christians upon the arrival of the new heaven and new earth. In this restored world to come, there is no more chaos, no more tears, no more heavy-heartedness, no more decimating loss, no more dark days. By contrast, our new home is dazzling and radiant, every detail crafted with precious stones, running through the land is the river of life, and at the center—the throne of God. There is no temple in the holy city for, in this place, God dwells unhindered with mankind. The fulfillment of temple purposes. God is our temple.
To grasp the magnificence of our future, we must understand the past. God’s presence is an all-consuming fire. As He exhibits His unblemished holiness, it engulfs anything less than. How could a broken and sinful human being experience the nearness of a blazing, holy God, if not for a designated space by His design? In 1 Kings 6, Solomon constructs the temple of God, according to His specifications, which becomes the center of worship and life for Israel. At the height of the temple age, God’s glory descended upon the people by way of this sacred space where the priests would atone for the unholiness of the people. Now, in the presence of the Lord, Israel experienced the blessing of His glory spilling out into the community—abundance, protection, and life.
Maintaining a space suitable for the fiery presence of God required daily shedding of blood, tedious observance of rituals, and a multitude of priests in service. You and I have never endured such a brutal and laborious experience to sense God’s nearness. That’s because Jesus is our high priest, He observed God’s law, and He shed His own blood to purify us so that we might become the living temple of God (1 Cor. 6v19). For now, we carry the presence of God in a broken, suffering, and faithless world. But our destiny is to live in a holy city, where the presence of God is unleashed into every corner of the earth, then God Himself will be our temple.
You probably have a glorious vision of the new creation. But any glory in the life to come is merely spillover from the God who will be the temple among us.
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Father, thank you for your presence in my life. Raise my awareness of your daily mercy, guidance, and provision that comes with it. Lift my expectations for the coming day when your presence will be unleashed in the entire earth. And help me remember what it cost — the suffering of your Son, Jesus.
Advocate
DAY 16 WRITTEN BY: MEAGAN HEISLER-
1 John 2:1
My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ the righteous one.
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As believers, our ultimate goal is to live the life that Jesus modeled for us when he was here on earth - one that is wholly pleasing to God, without sin. As humans, we know this is impossible. Because of God’s great kindness and love for us, He sent Jesus to die on our behalf and take the punishment for all the sins we have committed, are committing, and will commit. Through Jesus’ work on the cross, we are justified - our sins paid in full once-for-all (1 John 2:2, Romans 5:9).
The beauty of this truth is that God created the world with this plan in mind. Our proclivity to keep sinning did not thwart His plans - Jesus was present in the Trinity at creation knowing that one day he would satisfy the Father’s wrath on our behalf.
But Jesus’s work on our behalf didn’t stop at the cross! It is as if each time we sin, Jesus is there at the right hand of God as our Advocate to the Judge to plead our innocence before Him because we stand clothed not in our own righteousness but in the righteousness that Jesus afforded us through his death and resurrection (1 Peter 3:18).
1 John 1:8-10 tells us that we would be lying to ourselves if we said we could live a sinless life but since we have Jesus as our all-sufficient Advocate, we can confess our sins knowing that the Father is “faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.
In light of our great Advocate that we have in Christ, we should rejoice in our forgiven sins! It is like David writes in Psalm 32:1-2, “How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How joyful is a person whom the Lord does not charge with iniquity and in whose spirit is no deceit!”
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Thank you, Lord, for sending Jesus to die for my sins so that I can have fellowship with you. Thank you that Jesus’ work for me didn’t stop at the cross! Examine my heart and help me to see areas in my life where I have sinned against you and need to repent. Sanctify me today through your Word, which we know is truth, and through the Advocate’s continued work in my life.
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