Died that I Might Live on High
READ: Hebrews 10:5-10
“Chief of sinners though I be.” You may recognize that popular hymn line, but do you remember what the rest of the hymn says?
A few nights ago, I couldn’t when I needed to. I was praying right before I went to bed. I had a really bad day and was feeling down on myself. I felt sinful. That day in chapel we sang that hymn. The first line repeated itself in my mind over and over again. I wanted to pray the rest of the hymn, but I couldn’t remember. All day I focused on how bad I was and I seemed to forget that I was forgiven. Jesus died for me, so I don’t have to feel that way. “Chief of sinners though I be. Jesus shed His blood for me.”
In Hebrews 10, God tells us how the sacrifice of His Son is a complete atonement for all our sins - past, present and future. None of the Old Testament sacrifices could cover our sins in God’s eyes, but Jesus came to do God’s will. “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all.” We know that even when we feel dirty and sinful, Jesus is our sacrifice that has covered our sins. Jesus has pleased God for us.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: When you feel that you are the chief of sinners, where do you find comfort? Why is there no need for us to sacrifice things to God as they did in the Old Testament? Why is there no need to be ashamed in the presence of God?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Use verses 1 and 4 of the hymn "Chief of Sinners Though I Be." Thank Jesus for His sacrifice. Pray for forgiveness.