Offerings
But Christ has already come as the High Priest of the good things that are already here. The tent in which he serves is greater and more perfect; it is not a tent made by human hands, that is, it is not a part of this created world. When Christ went through the tent and entered once and for all into the Most Holy Place, he did not take the blood of goats and bulls to offer as a sacrifice; rather, he took his own blood and obtained eternal salvation for us. (verses 11,12)
Read Hebrews 9:1-14
The Old Testament people had their own special types of offerings which they brought to their tent of worship. They were usually birds or animals, which were ritually slaughtered, and their blood was then offered on the altar. Nowadays we Christians take along our money to church and place it on the collection plate that is passed around during the service. This is our offering to God.
Some people make the mistake of thinking that they are earning acceptance by God by giving money or even time, possessions and good works. The truth is that we no longer have to sacrifice animals and birds to God, because Jesus, through is death and resurrection, has made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. By doing so he obtained for us eternal salvation. Our offerings are a grateful response for what he has already done.
Dear Jesus, thank you for your great sacrifice on our behalf, and the eternal salvation you earned for me. Amen.
by Richard Hauser, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)
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