“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” (Hebrews 9:23-28 KJV)
What a wicked world! Violence reported by every newscast. Violence in almost every movie. Every school is affected by it. Families are destroyed by it. Society can no longer control it, so we are getting close to the circumstances of Genesis 6:11. If we let it be our focus, we could be depressed continuously, but “we have a strong consolation” (Heb. 6:18). Think about it! Consolation instead of depression!
“We have run to a refuge and firmly grasp the hope set before us” (Heb. 6:18). Refuge and hope! Hope and refuge! And our consolation is in this fact: our hope is “both steadfast and sure as an anchor of our soul” (Heb. 6:19). Our hope goes beyond this earthly veil.
The songwriter said, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” Yet, if our hope in Christ was only for this world, our hope would dissipate into misery (1 Corinthians 15:19). Our Lord’s work wasn’t about this world’s holy places. Instead, He “entered into heaven itself.” He sits “in the presence of God for us.” Oh the consolation of hope that goes beyond this world!
Are these pipe dreams? I don’t think so, but if it turns out to be a dream, what a marvelous dream it is! Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice “to put away sin,” and what a sacrifice. It was a one-time deal but sufficient to cover all sin of all people . . . you, me, and everyone .
Jesus promised, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3 KJV). Despite the doubters, the scoffers, and the skeptics; with the songwriter I proclaim, “I’m looking for Jesus to come someday. I’ll ever be singing along my way. And when those heavens unfold I’ll walk those streets of pure gold. I’m looking for Jesus to come some day.” The Hebrews author encourages us: “and to them who are looking for him, He shall appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”
Dear Father, thank you for your sacrifice to put away our sin. Empower us with the boldness to look for the Lord’s return. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today as you look for him,