Passage for Reflection

Hebrews 9:11-22

11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. 16 For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. 17 For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive. 18 Therefore not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood. 19 For when every commandment of the law had been declared by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 20 saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for you.” 21 And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship. 22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

Priorities for Easter Sunday

  • Admit Your Need for God – Throw yourself on the mercy of Christ this week as your prepare to minister His Word.
  • Prepare Well – Though you should always be committed to preparation, take extra care this week to guard your heart and mind in light of how God will entrust a greater number of people to you this weekend at your church than normal.
  • Preach the Gospel Clearly and Compellingly – Take time this week to encounter the Good News of Jesus Christ afresh, then seek to communicate that News in such a way that others encounter it on Easter Sunday. Remember, if there is a mist in the pulpit, there will be a fog in the pew.
  • Trust God to Act – If you are faithful to prepare and preach God’s Word, then simply trust God to act. You might not see any fruit on Easter Sunday, but that does not mean that your labors were in vain. God WILL make His Seed bear fruit. You simply be faithful to preach it!

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