“We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. (Heb 13:10-14 ESV)
Worship is a Christian tradition that stretches all the way back to Eden. Even after the Fall and rejection from God’s Garden, Adam’s family continually offered sacrifices of worship to God at the garden’s entrance (Genesis 4:3-4).
Then as time continued and mankind multiplied across the globe, developing civilization and nations, God chose one family to be his covenant people. To these he prescribed certain rituals and practices of worship. But these commands and laws only pointed toward God’s own sacrifice for mankind’s sin (Romans 15:4; Galatians 3:24).
And finally, according to the Divine pattern laid out in the Jewish worship rituals, Jesus “suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.” Now, we are exhorted – really commanded – by Scripture to truly worship God by going to Christ, receiving his sacrifice and reproach.
The sacrifice and reproach we endure here is nothing compared to his on our behalf. The great Apostle Paul wrote that our sufferings are really “light afflictions” and momentary (2 Corinthians 4:17). In addition, our sufferings are no comparison to the glory they produce for us.
Our “fiery trials” may seem more difficult than ever, but the Apostle Peter wrote that we should not think something strange was occurring (1 Peter 4:12). Maybe they shouldn’t be common occurrences either, but when they do occur we can “rejoice to be in fellowship with Christ’s sufferings.” Note this attitude expressed by the Apostles (Acts 5:41).
Now remember, we do not seek sufferings and persecutions. Christianity is not about how much we can suffer for Christ. Rather, sometimes by fire, our faith is tried and this is a natural result of truly following Christ. So we do not allow the possibility of suffering for Christ to make us give up. Instead, we continue faithful despite such trials since there is no “lasting city” here. We continue faithful to Christ in search of God’s eternal city.
Dear Father, thank you for that eternal glory we have in Christ Jesus. Strengthen our resolve and hope. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and courageous today in your resolve and hope,