Hebrews 10:1-7 (NRSV)
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Chapter 10Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered year after year, make perfect those who approach. Verse 2Otherwise, would they not have ceased being offered, since the worshipers, cleansed once for all, would no longer have any consciousness of sin? Verse 3But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sin year after year. Verse 4For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Verse 5Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; Verse 6in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure.
Verse 7Then I said, 'See, God, I have come to do your will, O God' (in the scroll of the book it is written of me)."
Devotion
The ritual of sacrifice served an important purpose: to remind the ‘sacrificer’ of his/her sinful nature; and to keep in mind that there was one who was greater, one to whom he/she owed his/her life. In our liturgy, the rite of confession and forgiveness serves the same purpose—not to beat ourselves up with our unworthiness, but to keep in mind that God is in, with and under all that we do. Then we hear the words of forgiveness proclaimed in love and grace. God doesn’t need our sacrifices or confessions, we do.
Prayer
Loving God, we acknowledge and confess all that we have done and have left undone that has harmed ourselves, others,your creation, and our relationship with you. Thank you foryour forgiveness and your grace. Help us to accept your forgiveness. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.