Devotions For Lent – Day 36

Draw Near

“Let us draw near with a true heart in the full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”         (Hebrews 10:22)

Read Leviticus 16.

Once each year, the Israelites observed an awesome event — the great Day of Atonement! This national holiday brought two truths together in a holy paradox. The first truth: God’s holiness makes it impossible for Him to tolerate sin. The second truth: All human beings are sinful and deserve God’s wrath.

But on the Day of Atonement, God invited one person, the high priest, to enter into God’s presence on behalf of his sinful people. At that one moment, God’s holiness and the human sinfulness came together. But instead of destruction — atonement! Forgiveness! The promised Savior would come and therefore, sinners were not destroyed. Instead, their sins were covered.

Now, because of Jesus, the Day of Atonement is every day for us! Write down the words of Hebrews 10:22. Which of these words speak most deeply to your heart and mind?

Prayer Starter:
Dear Jesus, You cleanse all of me — my heart, my conscience, and my body. How do I thank You? . . .