To read: Hebrews 10:19-25
New Revised Standard Version Bible,Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach 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.
Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
To think about:
Winter,
the season of sleep and not just for bears! The days are short and sunlight in short supply. The weather can be temperamental as winter storms roll in, restricting outside activities, confining us to the inner chambers of our homes for protection from the elements.
Then, just as everything seems to be letting up a bit and the darkest days of winter are behind us, we find ourselves in the season of Lent. And as we encounter Lent, we often find ourselves encountering the dark night of the soul as well, pitched into yet another season of despair as we are confronted with the reality of how truly sinful we really are. It is a season often centered on confessing our sins. But we should not despair.
During this season of Lent, let us not despair as we confess our weakness, but rejoice as we confess our hope founded on the victory of Christ over sin, death and the power of the devil. May we heed the words of St. Paul and hold fast to the confession of our hope, reminding and encouraging one another that the curtain into the Kingdom of God has been opened for us through the sacrifice of Christ's own flesh for us.
To pray:
May God bless us and give to us the full assurance of faith, today and every day, as we live in the knowledge that we are forgiven and reconciled to God our Father, through the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord and King. Amen.
Northern Great Lakes Synod Council member
Zion Lutheran Church, Skanee, Mich.