City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near 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.23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Hebrews 10:19-25

Reflection

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, the curtain is torn and we can enter the most holy place (Mark 15:37-38). Jesus’ way is called new and living, as the priest Himself was the perfect Sacrificial Lamb. Because Jesus paid the price, we can come to God pure. His blood cleanses our hearts and when we were baptized, our old selves died and our new selves were born (John 3:3). The author has made his case that Jesus is the Ultimate High Priest and the perfect Sacrificial Lamb, purifying us before God.

But life doesn’t end there, they weren’t raptured right up to heaven upon accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (admittedly, that would be nice and convenient). After all, there were, and still are, many who need to accept Him. The author moves on from the case of Jesus as the Greatest Priest and perfect Sacrificial Lamb purifying us before God to the behavior of his children. In this passage, he discusses hanging on to the faith and fellowship of believers.

How come he discusses these subjects first? Many of the recipients were brand new baby Christ-followers and could be easily swayed. Even those who’ve been following Jesus for a long time can be swayed, particularly if they’ve been hanging more around those with ungodly values and less with their Christ-following brothers and sisters. The author emphasizes hanging on to the faith and keeping the habit of meeting with fellow Christ-followers go hand-in-hand. We can’t do Christianity alone (believe me, I myself tried and failed). This earth is a school in loving God and loving others, and we will graduate to heaven one day where Jesus will give us our diplomas according to how we lived here on earth (Matthew 25:14-30).

Application

Love God, love others (Mark 12:29-31). That’s it. So simple, yet so hard. It’s easier to love God than others, as God is perfect and others aren’t (and I hate to break it to you, but if others aren’t telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, you aren’t either). Hang on to Jesus and to your brothers and sisters in Christ. Meet together not only at church services, but at Small Group and Micro Group, where it is safe, and you’re encouraged to be vulnerable.

Who, and how often, we hang out with someone will influence us, for better or worse. If you’d like to dig deeper into this subject, I recommend the book Find Your People by Jennie Allen. It addresses the importance of community and vulnerability from a godly perspective.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for being the pure sacrifice that saved me. Help me to love You and love others. In Your Name I pray, amen.