Today we begin worship with:
So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.
Sacrifice occurred at the temple. Then offerings for sin were burned “in clean place” outside the city (Leviticus 4).
Our passage in Hebrews should fill us with joy that we are sanctified by this very blood, but the passage goes on to invite us to participate:
Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.
We must associate ourselves with Him. Peter failed at this when questioned by a servant girl.
Then it asks us to go one step further. We are to become what Romans calls a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12).
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Yes, the fruit of our lips, but also the fruit of our hands. God wants to receive both. It should be our joy, for it brings Him joy.
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