In today’s first reading we read about Christ’s sacrifice, which was once and for all. Psalm 40:7-9 is not cited in any other New Testament book. However, it is a central teaching of the Old Testament that God desires obedience and a right heart, not empty compliance with laws and rituals. When people gathered for the offering of sacrifices on the Day of Atonement, they were reminded of their sins, and they undoubtedly felt guilty all over again. Animal sacrifices could not take away sins; they provided only a temporary way to deal with sin until Jesus came to deal with sin permanently. How, then, were people forgiven in Old Testament times? Because the Old Testament believers were following God’s command to offer sacrifices, he graciously forgave them when, by faith, they made their sacrifices. But that practice looked forward to Christ’s perfect sacrifice. Christ’s way was superior to the Old Testament way because the old way only pointed to what Christ would do to take away sins.

Prayer: Abba Father, thank you for setting me free from my sins. Amen.