Title: Therefore
Text: Hebrews 10.18-23
Intro:
The New Testament likes to use the word “therefore” a lot. It’s a pretty simple idea. Something is the case, therefore this is what you should do. It’s cold outside, you should put on a coat. Michigan got robbed at Ohio State, therefore you should blame the referee. Therefore always links two ideas – something that is true, and something that implies.
Here in Hebrews, we have a simple therefore that has a lot of words, but a simple truth. Leading up to this passage, you have many chapters telling us how Jesus is better than anything or anyone else. This is written to the Jews, and yet it still says, guess what: Jesus is better than Moses. Jesus is better than the Temple, and Jesus is better than any other sacrifice ever given.
Why? Because those sacrifices only could forgive what was done in the past. Our Jesus forgives everything. Everything we’ve ever done that we’ve regretted; everything we’re ever going to do. We know forgiveness is a powerful thing. It is the bedrock on which we base our lives: Forgive as we are forgiven, you know, that sort of thing.
Well, if that’s true, there’s an implication. If it is true then we don’t have to fear. Remember we started Daniel with that idea?
We live in a world that wants to keep us in our place. We live in a world that says ‘Women should stay in the home and Men should do what they’re told.’ Well, Jesus didn’t say that. There’s neither Jew nor Greek, Slave nor Free, Male nor Female – and I love each and everyone of you.
We live in a world that tells us, stay in your homes, and be afraid. But our Jesus’ very birth was announced with two words: “Fear Not!”
We live in a world that says, “You aren’t worthy! You are just a no good rotten sinner that deserves nothing but spit.” Well, guess what. They’re right. But Jesus said, “I love you anyway. I’m going to clean you up. I am going to make a new living way – I’m going to break down the curtain that separates us! You are my brothers, you are my sisters. Our Father is God himself. I have come to give you life, and give to you more abundantly.”
So, that’s the case. We’re forgiven. We’re adopted into the family of God. What does that mean?
We can draw near to God. We have access to the loving Creator who makes us and sustains us.
I’ve met a Congressman or two in my life, but I’ve never met the President. But guess what – there’s somebody far more important than him. God himself is inviting us to draw near to him, to boldly approach his throne.
Therefore brothers and sisters, let us draw near to God. We have confidence to enter the most holy place. We have been cleaned up and washed by Jesus himself. Let us draw near to him – because he who promised is faithful.
