Monday, March 16, 2026
Scripture Readings
- Primary Reading: Hebrews 9
Key Verse
Hebrews 9:15 — “And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”
Devotional Thought
The book of Hebrews was written to believers who were tempted to drift back to the familiar rituals of the old covenant—the tabernacle, the priesthood, the endless sacrifices. This chapter presents a contrast that should stir our hearts today: the old system was a shadow, but Christ is the substance. As we walk through this Lenten season, examining our hearts and remembering the cost of our redemption, Hebrews 9 calls us to stop trusting in the shadows and rest fully in the finished work of our great High Priest.
Consider the tabernacle described in these verses. There was an outer court, an inner sanctuary with the golden candlestick and the table of shewbread, and then the Holiest of all, hidden behind a second veil. Inside that sacred space stood the ark of the covenant, the golden pot of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant. Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year, and never without blood. The Holy Ghost was signifying something profound: the way into God’s presence was not yet made manifest. The people stood at a distance, their consciences never fully cleansed. The blood of bulls and goats could purify the flesh, but it could not touch the heart.
Then comes verse eleven, and everything changes. “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come…” He did not enter a man-made tabernacle. He entered heaven itself, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood. He offered Himself without spot to God through the eternal Spirit. This is the heart of the gospel: the sacrifice was not external but personal. The priest became the offering. And because His blood was sinless and eternal, He obtained eternal redemption for us. The veil is torn. The way is open. Our consciences can be purged from dead works to serve the living God.
Verse twenty-seven reminds us that “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” There is a finality to death, and there is a finality to Christ’s sacrifice. He was offered once to bear the sins of many. He will appear a second time, not to deal with sin again, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await Him. As you walk through this day, let the finished work of Christ settle your soul. You do not need to add to it, repeat it, or earn it. You are invited to draw near with a clean heart, because your High Priest has already entered in on your behalf.
Reflection
- Are you still living as though the veil remains, trying to earn God’s favor through religious effort, rather than resting in the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ?
- If Christ’s blood has purged your conscience from dead works, what would it look like today to serve the living God with freedom rather than fear?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, our great High Priest, we bow before You with grateful hearts. You did not enter a tabernacle made with hands, but heaven itself, and You entered with Your own precious blood. We confess that we often live as though Your sacrifice were incomplete, striving to earn what You have freely given. Cleanse our consciences from dead works. Teach us to rest in Your finished work and to serve the living God with joy and reverence. Keep us looking for Your second appearing, when You will come without sin unto salvation. Amen.