David Bahn – Reflections

Hebrews 10:1-4

For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. ² Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? ³ But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. ⁴ For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Albert Einstein is credited with saying that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. Many of us are insane by that definition, only more often we call it stubbornness! We are convinced that we are right so we argue our conviction again and again. We’re sure we’ll finally break through. We chase the same goals, pleasures, excitement, or pastime in a relentless pursuit of satisfaction. But we, like the Mick Jagger, “can’t get no satisfaction!”

Somehow the truth of our inability to assuage our guilt or gain God’s approval by means of our religious activities or moral perfection. We’re not perfect. Our sacrifices do not avail before God. We can do nothing. But we try; oh yes we try.

Our blood and bulls today are more sophisticated and more subtle, but no less ineffective. We rationalize our guilt ad nauseam. We deny our sin by redefining it as social imposition or conditioning. We ignore the truth of the Bible claiming that it is an outdated book. We create gods of our own design and liking so that they may serve us. We demand that the true God answer to us as though we can turn the tables on the Creator. Those are the actions of the foolish.

Today I will examine my own insanity: what am I doing over and over in search of relief or success with no good outcome? Where do these actions point beyond themselves? They point to a heart that deeply desires the grace of God and the peace that passes all understanding. I’ll not get it by my actions, but by God’s grace. Thank you Holy Spirit! All praise to Jesus!