Make A Stand for Jesus (Heb. 13:12-13)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 08-06-03

 

                                                                                                                       

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  Make a stand for Jesus

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                         Reference:  Hebrews 13:12-13

 

            Message of the verse:  “12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate.  13 Hence, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.”  (NASB)  “So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates in order to make his people holy by shedding his own blood.  So let us go out to him outside the camp and bear the disgrace he bore.”  (NLT)

These two verses continue to give an allegory that the writer is telling his readers.  Jesus was crucified outside the city in order that he may sanctify those who would believe through His blood.  The word sanctify is translated into different English words from the Greek word.  Strongs give these definitions for the word: 

“AV-sanctify 26, hallow 2, be holy 1; 29

1) to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow

2) to separate from profane things and dedicate to God

2a) consecrate things to God

2b) dedicate people to God

3) to purify

3a) to cleanse externally

3b) to purify by expiation: free from the guilt of sin

3c) to purify internally by renewing of the soul”

Jesus Christ has done these things for the believer, He has made us holy, and He has set apart these now “holy people” for service.

            Now because He has done these things for the believers we are to separate ourselves from the things of the world, (the old camp) and we must bear the disgrace that He bore for us.  We must stand up for Jesus Christ in our daily lives as we sere Him each day.  Paul put it this way in two of his letters he wrote:  “Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  2 Timothy 1:12  For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.”  These two verses give wonderful insight into how believers should live their lives for the glory of the Lord.

 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  I would say that these verses that are quoted from Paul’s writings are good advice on how to live my life each and everyday that the Lord lends me breathe.  I am not to be ashamed of what the Lord has done for me and must be willing to tell others of this wonderful work of grace as the Lord gives me opportunity.

 

The Word of God was very challenging to my heart as I read it this morning.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  Not to be ashamed of the Gospel, nor of the Lord of the Gospel.