Scripture
26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.
Reflection
In the past few months I’ve been spending more time with family, including my 4 year old nephew. Although he is just 4, he is pretty good at letting us know what he likes or doesn’t like, and what he wants and doesn’t want to do. The problem however is when he keeps on doing something we already told him he shouldn’t do. If he still does it, we put him in time out, and ask the question: “do you know why you are in time out?”. Most of the time he knows exactly why. After he spent his due time in ‘time out’ the “I won’t do it again”, a hug, a kiss, and “love you” follows.
Like a Father, God reveals Himself to us and disciplines us. At times we are tempted and fall into sin. We mess up. He disciplines us and reminds us of His mercy and grace.
Something different happens when someone who have received the knowledge of truth – Jesus Christ and willfully rejects and despises Him.
Hebrews 10: 29 “How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?”
“No sacrifice for sin is left” – If Jesus died for our sins and became the ultimate sacrifice, there is no one or nothing else that can bring us back to God, besides Him. It becomes a life without a future and eternal hope, apart from God’s Presence.
This passage is an encouragement for us to persevere in faith and keep our eyes on our future hope. The author of Hebrews continues with that thought in verse 35 and 36:
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
