Day3
Week 17
Hebrews 12
”By contrast, we have already come near to God in a totally different realm, the Zion-realm, for we have entered the city of the Living God, which is the New Jerusalem in heaven! We have joined the festal gathering of myriads of angels in their joyous celebration! And as members of the church of the Firstborn all our names have been legally registered as citizens of heaven! And we have come before God who judges all, and who lives among the spirits of the righteous who have been made perfect in his eyes! And we have come to Jesus who established a new covenant with his blood sprinkled upon the mercy seat; blood that continues to speak from heaven, “forgiveness,” a better message than Abel’s blood that cries from the earth, “justice.”“
Hebrews 12:22-24 TPT
Cross references
Galatians 4:26;
Deuteronomy 33:2;
Daniel 7:10;
Jude 14;
Revelation 5:11;
Matthew 16:18;
Hebrews 1:6;
Psalm 48:2;
Luke 10:20;
Genesis 18:25;
Genesis 4:10;
Hebrews 11:4,8:6
Warning #5
Danger of Rejecting God’s Grace
A Familiar Hymn:
What A Friend We Have In Jesus (2 versions)
Justice or Forgiveness
Each one of us has their own idea of what justice looks like.
If we are honest, justice looks a lot like revenge looking through the lens of or own hurts and disappointments, right?
We have been given a better message of mercy and forgiveness, but we usually still think in terms of justice.
Ask yourself right now, who it is that you are handing out thoughts of justice to?
Maybe through bitterness, anger, resentment, avoidance, thoughts of judgment and possibly gossip.
They most likely deserve it, right?
What do you deserve?
Do you want justice or forgiveness?
We will receive what we give. A better promise has been offered to us. We accepted grace and forgiveness from our Lord.
What a privilege!
It is now our turn to extend mercy and forgiveness.
Action Step
Follow Jesus, our friend who carries everything we bring to Him.
Bring Him your idea of justice and allow Him to fill you with forgiveness and a merciful heart.
Click the links at the top to listen to a familiar, encouraging hymn.