Sacrifice. Do we even know what that means anymore?

God gave His people really specific instructions about sacrifices that needed to be made. These were recorded in the book of Leviticus. There are 3 different voluntary sacrifices and 2 mandatory, all that lead us to identify and remember our separation from God because we sin, and He is holy. All of these reminders and instructions lead humanity to the Christ who made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross and paid, once and for all, for our sin.

How was this a reminder? In the days of O.T. God set apart the tribe of Levi and specifically the lineage of Aaron to act as priests (representing man to God) who would present the offerings to God on behalf of the worshipers. It was the only way to cover sin. Blood was shed over and over and over because as soon as the family walked away from the the atonement for the past sins, what would happen? Another angry thought. Another jealous action or sharp word would be said and there is more sin to atone for.

Until the day Good Friday came and the sacrifice Jesus made “was finished”. Sin atoned for, once and for all.

For all who put there faith and trust in Christ as Lord and Savior the sacrifice is done. We are no longer slaves to sin. Think with me, however, about all of the world who has not yet put their faith and trust in Jesus. They still are slaves to sin. They still have to worry about every moment of every day. Do you understand why they could have more trouble, more anxiety, more sorrow, more fear, and all of the other stresses that come from this world. They are having to face there sin even now, before the final judgement.

• Be gracious kind and loving to people in this state of spiritual darkness. They need the hope that comes from a rescuer.

• And praise God right here and now for the once and for all sacrifice of perfect, sinless, blood that covers everything.

Perseverance. Really?

I have heard a number of people talk about the “next generation” aka the millennials who appear to have trouble finding and keeping a job over the past couple of years. There are theories that I could elaborate on, regarding the why things have changed over the past few generations but regardless of how we got here, it appears that we’ve arrived. Of people in the 20-40 age range, I know some that are dedicated, committed, hard working, and believe deeply and are devoted to Christ and are persevering in their faith.

I know more young adults that are more devoted to coffee and where it is sourced. They are very knowledgeable in the ways of social media. They are very adept at “hanging out”. They are often far more highly educated than their grandparents and great-grandparents. And they like the idea of a “cause”. Hmmm…. Is there a cause that is greater than eternity? How about the cause of reaching as many with the hope of salvation through Jesus as you can?

Why am I picking on the new generation of adults? I am not. In fact what is alarming relaxed attitude of the boomer generation that are their parents and grand parents that not only excuse or ignore the values of their kids, but are content to follow in their footsteps, rather than the footsteps of the godly in the past generations.

10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess. vs 24 Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. vs Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing. Let us encourage one another – all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Folks! How much closer is the Day today than it was 2 or 3 generations ago? How many great grandparents were settled and steadfast in their beliefs? How many of them encouraged their kids and grandkids to meet together with the fellow believers. They cared for one another’s needs? Neighbors were kind to neighbors. They lived a life of staying the course and being devoted to God.

How many parents persevered, in the same manner as the generation before? And how many parents taught their children to persevere? As I said, here we are. Affluent. Non-committal. Seeking the comfort and happiness of the world.

• Can I just ask you to take time to pray for this generation. Pray that God would raise blinders in the lives of the young people to the distractions of the world and the eyes to see what is worth being stuck tight to, with unswerving devotion.

• And would you take a look with me at your own life in light of Hebrews 10:23-25? Would your friends and family describe you this way? More is caught than taught and showing the next generation values that matter to God is more important than anything else we can do to make their life more fun or comfortable.

Faith. In what?

All of this leads into the “hall of faith” chapter where we remember those who have gone on before us to set the standards of what faith looks like in a God that has sacrificed for us. They are people who persevered under circumstances that we are unlikely to ever face to show us what faith is. Faith is not just a word. It is a willingness to act in line with your belief. Abraham who in my opinion is the MVP in the chapter left for the unknown and committed not only his life but his wife and servant and everything he owned.

Just that example alone is enough for me to pause and evaluate my faith. Saying that I believe and acting on my belief, and being willing to give everything toward that belief are all very different than the nicey nice idea of being a church-goer and good person.

Hebrews 11:16 Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God. Do you think God is proud to be called your God? Like He was proud to be called Job’s God, and Abraham’s God? Noah’s God? He has prepared a place for them, because the place with God was far more important to them than the place they were creating for themselves on earth. And it’s not about being poor. Abraham was rich, very rich. Job was very rich. But what did their heart long for? And what does your heart long for?