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I Know That I Know
John TiltonHebrews 10:19-23
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidenceto enter the Most Holy Placeby the blood of Jesus, by a new and living wayopened for us through the curtain,that is, his body, and since we have a great priestover the house of God,let us draw near to Godwith a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings,having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscienceand having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hopewe profess,for he who promised is faithful.
The author of the scriptures was encouraging the Hebrews to take to heart that Jesus’ sacrifice enabled all to enter the Most Holy Space, that being the presence of God; and that Jesus is indeed the great priest over the house of God, that being those who believe in Him as Christ. Therefore, the author was prompting the Hebrews to draw close to Jesus and the faith therein, standing on His promise that we are forgiven, washed by His blood, and therefore need not be consumed by guilt. Subsequently, they were prompted to hold on to hope based on His faithfulness.
With all of the negative things going on in the world and matters seemingly getting worse whenever we read the newspaper; add that to the fact that I know that I am a sinner, contending with those areas in my life that I am prone to succumb to through my flesh, the natural tendency is to look at the world and my life through smudged glasses, feeling that hope is scarce. Yet, I am encouraged by these scriptures to turn from what the enemy might want me to default to in discouragement, but instead through Jesus hold on to the hope that is in Him, and that faith in Him will enable me to know that I know that I am saved by grace and the future is indeed hopeful as I continue to walk with Him. It’s a matter of perspective, like seeing the glass half full, rather then half empty.
Dear Lord, thank you for your words that enable me to remember your sacrifice, see your faithfulness and therefore hold on to hope in you and faith that I am forgiven, able to live a life of victory. It is through your words that remind me and enable me to know that I know that I have a future and a hope!
