You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect. (Heb. 12:23)
As I read this passage, I feel excitement bubbling up within me. This passage provides so much hope for us. The Israelites dealt with the old covenant, which was based on rules and reverent (and sometimes downright) fear of God. We, however, can take part in the new covenant, which was provided to us only through Jesus. Because of his death for our sins, we can come before God in a new way. We are accepted as his own family. We can have great excitement because we have a way to be forgiven; we have a Mediator who is working on our behalf to make us right with God. Grace, instead of vengeance, is available to us.
As we determine to follow God, we have responsibilities. God does not force us to do anything, but he does instruct us in the way we should go. Some of those instructions have been laid out for us this week: Give the Spirit room to challenge and stretch us, submit to God, do not refuse him, and remember to give him proper glory and honor, along with other things.
It’s not always easy to follow God, but he is willing to help and guide us. Let’s remember that. Let’s take hold of the grace available to us and do our part to become more like Christ.
Ask God about one thing you can do to follow him best.
Augustine Gidney is a fourth year Kingswood University student with a focus on counseling and children’s ministry. She loves spending time doing arts and crafts.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
