An Encouraging Thought to Start the Week
Monday’s Verse:
From Hebrews 9:28 ESV
“So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”
I thought about this verse after Sunday church services. Essentially, my Sunday sermon could have been wrapped up in this one verse - I think people would have liked my sermon being less than a minute long. But the importance of this verse really hit home on Sunday afternoon.
The author of Hebrews is writing to remind his readers that death and judgment are realities. However, they are not the final realities for believers. Jesus bore our sin upon the cross. Jesus does not need to present Himself before God again on our behalf. His sacrifice was sufficient. It was finished.
Therefore, the Christian awaits judgment day, not in fear, but in hope. The One who returns is the same Savior who has already dealt with our sin forever. He will not return to condemn His people, but to complete their salvation.
For these reasons, Hebrews 9:28 is such an encouraging verse to kick off a new week. In a world that is full of unknowns, Christ provides certainty: your sins are borne away, your salvation is secure, and your Lord is returning for you.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, thank You that You sacrificed Yourself once for all to rid us of our sin. Keep us looking to Your finished work, and teach us to anticipate Your return with joy, peace, and assurance. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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