DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)
We would in spirit now pass into that inner place, into which the High Priest of Israel dared not come but once a year, and then not without blood. We bless you that the veil is torn; and now every believer is made a priest, and permitted to come into the Holy of Holies, and to draw near unto the mercy-seat, all blood-besprinkled, without fear of being regarded as an intruder, or smitten down like Nadab and Abihu.
O God, we stand, therefore, now in your immediate presence, and our very heart speaks to you, and we rejoice that you who searches the heart, knows what our heart would say.
Amen.
VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)
“But Christ has appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come. In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation), he entered the most holy place once for all time, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:11–12)
The sacrifice presented by our Lord was unique. He offered his own blood—blood from the veins of a man. But what a man! He was without spot. In his birth he received no taint of original sin. He was pure and holy. Therefore he was able to bear the sin of others since he had none of his own. The sacrifice of our Lord was, in the highest sense, substitutionary. Sin necessitates death. Jesus died. The Lord Jesus Christ did not come to earth to make reconciliation by the holiness of his life, or by the earnestness of his teaching, but by his death.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE
Know how you were forgiven — be freed from pride and despair.
Today we reflected, in prayer and Bible study, on Jesus’ work as high priest — he entered the most Holy place, gave himself for our salvation, and rose again. Oh, what a glorious truth!
Over the summer, my church preached through the Book of Exodus together and I was able to preach on the construction of the Tabernacle in Exodus 25–26. This passage shows us these same themes — The Holy God will dwell with his people, but sin separates, so God saves.
You can listen to this sermon here. I hope it encourages you!