Friday after Judica Sunday
Posted on April 8, 2022 by under
Scripture: Hebrews 9:15-22 (NKJV)
9:15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
16 For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. 18 Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood. 19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 20 saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.” 21 Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. 22 And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.
Devotion
“A testament is in force after men are dead.”
In civil matters, we understand the idea of a “last will and testament;” in it a man leaves instructions for his children on how his earthly possessions are to be distributed. When properly processed, a man’s last will and testament possesses the binding force of law. But it does not go into effect until the man has died.
Christ is “the Mediator of the new [testament]” (the words “covenant” and “testament” are the same in Greek). On the night when Christ was betrayed, He took the cup and said, “This is My blood of the new [testament], which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matt, 26:28). The institution of the Lord’s Supper is His last will and testament. Then He died, causing the testament to take effect. After this He rose from the dead, making His testament a communion in His living body and blood.
Therefore, the practice of the Lord’s Supper has binding force on the Christian Church; she must practice it according to His institution. But this testament is not a burden. Rather, it is the joyous treasure of heaven, which we have inherited through our Lord’s death. He who receives this blessed inheritance in faith has what He promises: the forgiveness of sins, for “without shedding of blood there is no remission.”
Prayer: We beseech Thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon Thy people, that by Thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Season of Lent
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with the Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
