by Duane Cook

God’s program cannot be stopped. What He sets in motion is completed in today’s passage. With celebration the house of God is rededicated. The blood of bulls and rams and lambs covers the sins of the nation. “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22). Not in the life of the nation of Israel. Not in the life of any individual of the nation. And not for us, either.

God requires payment for our sins. Always has, always will. No exceptions. No good person comes close to be “perfect enough”. But He also provides the way for our sins to be forgiven through the blood of His personally selected lamb, His son Jesus. His only son-- the most precious person to Him. The price for our sin is steep, but He has paid the price on our behalf.

The only piece that remains for us is to accept His offer. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.” (1 John 1:8-10).

It is serious, but it is also simple. So simple even a child can do it. Nothing fancy. No need for falderal. No need for a priest (Christ is our High Priest). You don’t have to be sitting in a pew. It can be done any time and any place. Repent…ask…receive.

A fellow traveler,
Duane