https://esv.literalword.com/?q=eze+23%3B+Hebrews+7
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Friday, 22 September 2023:
Ezekiel 23:9 – Therefore I delivered her into the hands of her lovers, into the hands of the Assyrians, after whom she lusted.
God often hands people over to their substitutes for Him that they may learn that love only comes from God. You will never find love, peace, contentment, and joy in your idols.
Ezekiel 23:19, 20 — Yet she increased her whoring, remembering the days of her youth, when she played the whore in the land of Egypt and lusted after her lovers there, whose members were like those of donkeys, and whose issue was like that of horses.
Yes, this is in the Bible. God uses shocking imagery to describe His view of sin.
The Bible uses explicit language to describe the sin of His people, consumed in passion and desires and never satisfied, always wanting more.
Ezekiel 23:37 — They have even offered up to them for food the children whom they had borne to me.
God hates abortion. Do you?
Hebrews 7:1-11 – Jesus does not point to the law, the law points to Jesus. It is not the law that makes us righteous, Jesus does. The aim is not merely to be good, it is to be one with Jesus.
Hebrews 7:16 – …who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.
Jesus’ authority does not come from regulations but from His deity. Our righteousness does not come from our behavior but rather because of His declaration of our righteousness. Also, a disciple’s authority comes from God not from human institutions.
Hebrews 7:19 – …(for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
Again, lawfulness cannot make you righteous, only Jesus can. Living righteously is the natural product of being made righteous through Christ.
Hebrews 7:26 – For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
Only Jesus can satisfy your eternal need and give you eternal peace.
Hebrew 7:26-28 – For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
Jesus Christ has paid for your sins “once for all when he offered Himself.” It is finished – if you are a Christian you are forgiven, completely, unconditionally, and permanently. Nothing can be added or taken away from God’s forgiveness – forgiveness through Christ is perfect. Under the priesthood of Jesus we now have been made a “royal, holy priesthood” (1 Pet 2:5-9) and a holy “kingdom of priests” (Rev 5:10, Exodus 19:6) among the kingdoms of men which are corrupt and ungodly. Among those nations, we serve our King as ambassadors, proclaiming the King’s message to the fallen world. Today’s readings in Isaiah state: “The Lord is angry with all nations; his wrath is upon all their armies. He will totally destroy them (Isaiah 34:2)” but “the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our King; it is He who will save us. (Isaiah 33:22).” Your kingdom is “not of this world. (John 18:36)” You were once of this world but God saved you from this world, redeemed you, and made you a new creation, holy, set apart for His purposes and His glory (1 Cor 1:28, 5:10). You are now called to “seek the Kingdom” and to struggle “not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph 6:12).” Today, pledge allegiance to your King and serve Him faithfully. Proclaim His message to the world. Remember, your obedience does not add to your salvation but contributes to your sanctification, fulfilling your purpose of being conformed to the image of Christ.
Jesus’ sacrifice covers all sin, once and for all.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 22 September 2023: Obey Jesus today, not in an attempt to make yourself righteous but rather to grow closer to Jesus in love, grateful for His grace and imputed righteousness. (Hebrews 7)
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 