Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- August 25, 2011
“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 5:7-10
God established His son Jesus as high priest in heaven and on earth. You can be confident of this because the Almighty gave His solemn oath, never to change His mind. Therefore, political incompetence, or economic earthquakes cannot shake the security you place in your Savior Jesus. He stands before you as priest with divine ordaining.
The Bible says, “Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess” (Hebrews 3:1). His priestly order begins and ends with Himself, for only He is eternal. He sits in glory in complete character atoning for you by the merit of His blood sacrifice on the cross.
Therefore, bring your soiled soul to your Savior for confession and cleansing. Christ is your most reliant confidant with whom you can entrust your clouded consciences. Say to Him what you feel and He will acknowledge your feelings, while reminding you of the truth. Indeed, you go confidently to Christ in confession of sin and repentance toward changed behavior.
Authentic confession leads to repentance, because you agree with God over the severity of sin. The Psalmist experienced this, “I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin” (Psalm 38:18). There is no taking advantage of the system, because you see sin breaking the heart of God. So, move quickly to confess small sins, so they do not become big sins.
Furthermore, let trusted accountability partners know of your quiet confessions to Christ. This protects you from becoming the self-righteous one who rails against another’s unrighteous acts, while harboring in your heart the same secret sin. For example, tell your spouse when someone seeks to seduce you with flirtatious forays. This frees you from the fear of being found out and invites them to support your emotional and physical fidelity.
Above all else, do not cover up your indiscretions. Come clean with Christ and come out in the open with your contemporaries. People are quick to forgive honest and real-time repentance, but have little patience with those who are found out, and still do not take responsibility. Be an endearing example of confident confession to Christ, and have a clear conscience with your fellow man. Jesus is your high priest, who heals and forgives!
“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin” (Psalm 32:5).
What sin is the Lord asking me to confess, repent of and receive His forgiveness?
Related Readings: Psalm 110:4; Proverbs 28:13; Daniel 9:8; Mark 1:5; Romans 4:7
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