October 12 | Hebrews 9:1-10

Elaine Pierce
Oct 11
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

A Clear Conscience

By Elaine Pierce

The gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshipper (Hebrews 9:9).

The earthly sanctuary that the writer of Hebrews describes comes directly from the book of Exodus. (And if you want to read in greater detail how this sanctuary was to be constructed and what was in it, turn to Exodus 25-31 ad 35-40). There were two rooms, the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. The priests were ready and willing to accept the congregation's blood sacrifice, but it would not be enough. This tabernacle is man made. It is temporary. It foreshadows 'the time of the new order (v. 10).

My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent.. It is the Lord who judges me (I Corinthians 4:4).

The apostle Paul reminds us that only God has the final say. Yes, we can do all the 'Christian' things: attend church, do good works, pray and read our Bible. These are good and noble activities. But if we're doing them to earn God's favor - if they are sacrifices that we think will impress God - we are spinning our wheels and missing the main thing. These 'external regulations - food and drink and ceremonial washings - are helpful and good. But the ultimate sacrifice - Jesus' death on the cross - is the price God paid for our eternal salvation.

Let's not neglect corporate worship, prayer, fellowship, and good deeds. But lets remember, today and every day, that new covenant is written on our hearts, that one day all will know him, and he will remember our sins no more.

PRAYER

Lord, so often my motives are mixed and muddied. I long to be your follower and do good works to glorify you, but I find myself looking for praise for me and not for you. Help me to kneel at your feet, to confess my sins, and to enter with joy into your presence. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!