God’s Word gives a clear picture of what God has done for mankind. All of God’s plan and purposes makes us praise and reverentially acknowledge Him and everything He does according to His will. He works everything for our good. In our Christian life, whatever the situation we may be going through, He has a plan and it is for equipping us to reach the destination He assigned for us.

Our key verse looks into the crucifixion, the suffering of Jesus Christ- what He has done for us and also what we need to do in return. 

 

WHAT JESUS DID FOR US

1. He shed His blood to Sanctify us: In the Old testament times animal blood was sprinkled for the purpose of sanctification (V.11)The book of Hebrews specifically mentions the same, directing our thoughts to the blood which was shed for us for the remission of sin by which the mighty plan of God was fulfilled. Sanctification is important to approach the Holy God and it was a command given (Leviticus 20:7). We could never approach God because of our sin; but God’s mercy made a way: through Jesus and His shed blood we receive His free salvation and are positionally sanctified in Him. But for an entire life of sanctification we need to pay a price- be obedient to His Word! When we willfully submit to obey His Word, He will sanctify us moment by moment.

2. He suffered outside the gate: Outside the gate in the old testament times was the place where lepers, thieves and the outcasts resided. The sin offering and the flesh, skins, and the dung of the animals were to be carried outside the camp and burned there (Lev.16:25, 27). This typified Christ as a Sin offering dying outside the camp.

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WHAT WE NEED TO DO

1. Let us go forth therefore unto him outside the camp: Jesus Christ has shown us the way to follow (1Pet.2:21) What can we understand of “inside” and “outside” the camp? Being inside we view things which are pleasing to our eyes-a lot of time to spend and enjoy the world. But outside, it’s like a desert, a lonely place. Once you are ready to come outside the camp, there you can find your Lord God— there He will guide your path in the wilderness, He will be with you in the valley; there He will instruct your each step to go forward; there you can find the needy and there you can find many of His servants who are following in His footsteps. Are you willing?

2. Bear His reproach:  It’s a choice given to each of us and many made that choice—Moses (Heb.11:24), the Apostles and many servants of God have chosen the way of reproach. We have received the privilege to suffer for His sake (Phil.1:29). Are we ready?

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To bear His reproach, we need real submission and obedience to His voice. In the Word of God, we see all such men of God having great Hope as they eagerly awaited – “For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God” (Heb.11:10). Similarly, can we set our mind on the things that are above? (Colossians 3:1-4)

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To Meditate:  “For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.” (Hebrews 13:14)