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Honour the Sacrifice by Deon Crafford

Hebrews 10:19-27 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.

When Jesus committed himself to the take the road to the cross, he also took on the identity or office of the Sacrifice, the Lamb of God. As we know this did not come without significant anguish and pain, as we see Jesus wrestling with this reality in the Garden of Gethsemane. To offer yourself for people who really do not deserve this, would by human logic seem insane, but in the wisdom of God the Father and Jesus Christ that was the only way in which His relationship with us could continue. Generation upon generation sinned itself into a relationship of dishonour and wrath, and even now it is no different, but for the perfect Sacrifice.

As I sit here in the quiet of the night and contemplate what the Sacrifice of Jesus delivered for me, I cannot but hang my head in shame for the sinful nature I keep falling trap to. I cannot but think of the dishonour I bring to such a gracious act of selflessness, by not guarding my life effectively against the bombardments of disobedience that destroy my spiritual intent daily. Surely I can do better. Surely the office of the ultimate Sacrifice deserves a greater degree of respect and honour from me. Am I not after all who and where I am because this Office sealed me in?

I need not embroider on the perfection of the Sacrifice and its encompassing impact of forgiveness and purity – covering an endless mountain of sin. But the perfection of the Sacrifice shall not only be my saving grace, it too shall be my guiding light. My prayer for us all is that we will live lives that honour the Sacrifice. Let us all rise above the suffocating norm of sin and self-gratification, breathing in the freeing purity of Life given to us by the Perfect Sacrifice.

Love to all

DC