October 19 | Hebrews 10:1-19

Elaine Pierce
Oct 19, 2025
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

The New Covenant

By Elaine Pierce

The book of Hebrews is filled with references to the Old Testament, and today's passage is no exception. Hebrews continues to remind us that the old covenant God made with his people was never going to work: it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats [annual sacrifices that God demanded] to take away sin. (v. 4). And that's what we need, isn't it? We can't 'sacrifice away' the guilt and shame by our good works.....our ritual offerings....these animal sacrifices seem so primitive to our 21st century minds, but they provided a visual symbol of how God's people recognized their need for forgiveness.

And what replaced this Old Covenant? Hebrews quotes from Psalm 40:6-8 in verses 6-9. In the psalm, David recognizes that only God can take away his guilt, and that God asks for him to do his will: I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart (Psalm 40:8). Hebrews confirms that Jesus came to do his father's will:

When Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, 'Here I am - it is written about me in the scroll-I have come to do your will, O God.'" (Hebrews 10:5-7).

Our Jewish friends have just celebrated Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. They spend the day in the synagogue, fasting and asking for forgiveness for their sins. This is the most holy day of the year for observant Jews, and it concludes with a meal at sundown breaking the fast. Yes, every Sunday our worship includes a prayer of confession. But we know with full assurance that our sins have been forgiven once and for all through Jesus. Hebrews reminds us, again through Old Testament passages, that Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more (v. 17).

Perhaps today you can thank God for the gift of his Son, and this new covenant he gives us. His law is on our hearts and on our minds, and we join Jesus in saying "Here we are - we have come to do our Father's will." It's only through his grace that we serve, thanks be to God.

PRAYER

Lord, I want to earn my salvation, but I know that all my works and all my good deeds will fall far short. Thank you for giving me the new covenant. Help me each day to thank you, to fall at your feet, and to do your good and pleasing and perfect will. 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!