Daily Devotion – November 11, 2021 – Micah Pearson

Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25 (NRSV)

And every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, “he sat down at the right hand of God,” and since then has been waiting “until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet.” For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds,” he also adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary 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 approach 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 to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Devotion

Martin Luther believed that when you wash your face each morning you should remember your baptismal promise and remind yourself of your salvation found in Jesus Christ. In our reading from Hebrews another faith analogy is used to inspire in us a renewed confidence in the good news that is ours in the gift of Jesus’ death for us. It is like the throwing open of a curtain that has kept hidden from us the truth of God’s love. Every morning when you open your window curtains to let the morning light in, remember Jesus. Remember that in Jesus God forgives your sins. Remember that you are a beloved child of God and remember to love one another as Jesus loves you. Each morning when you rise, tear open your curtains and let the love of Jesus into your heart, into your home, and into your community as together we encourage one another to deeds of love and mercy.

Prayer

I thank Jesus for loving me, healing me, forgiving me, and saving me. Help me to trust in my baptismal promise and tear open my heart and mind to let the love of Jesus in. Amen.