While We Wait…
11 Every priest stands day after day ministering and offering the same sacrifices time after time, which can never take away sins. 12 But this man, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. 13 He is now waiting until his enemies are made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are sanctified. Hebrews 10:11-14 CSB
Once and for all, Christ completed the work by offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. With that point in mind, the author fleshes this out even more, comparing the constant work that the priests had to do daily. They stood every day, performing their religious duties in which they were commanded, but this work did not result in perfect atonement. In contrast to standing, which shows a position of never ending work, Jesus Christ, once He offered “one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.” Christ is seated, denoting that the work was finished. Christ’s final words on the cross emphasize this point as He declared in John 19:30, “It is finished.” The Father was pleased with Christ’s obedience and was placed in a position of authority and honor at His right hand. Through Jesus Christ, every believer now has access to unlimited grace, as well as perseverance. We now live in a waiting period. After Christ ascended into heaven, we await His return, when He will make “His enemies…His footstool.” Yes, Christ had defeated death and His enemies on the cross and resurrection, yet we are awaiting when Christ will return and completely wipe out His spiritual adversaries. So, what does this waiting period then mean for us? If you are a believer, you are commissioned by Jesus to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them all that Christ had commanded us as seen in Matthew 28:19-20. This waiting period is not some idle time to waste, or even complain about difficulties in the world, crying out to Jesus, “Lord, just return already!” This time is a gift of God to the world, delaying His inevitable judgment, allowing more and more people to come to Him. God is waiting so that those who are lost have time to choose repentance and forgiveness through His grace. This time allotted is a gift of God to His children to be able to participate in His redeeming plan for the world.
Blessings,
Isaac De Guzman
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