Goodbye Good Old Days

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Goodbye Good Old Days

Hebrews 10:11-13 “Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time onward until his enemies be made a footstool for His feet.” 

Going back to the good old days has taken on new meaning in our house recently. For some reason you kids have become enamored with the old time record players. After acquiring these antiquated pieces of sound equipment, you have enjoyed collecting old albums from days gone by and listening to them like Dad and I did when we were young. I must admit, though, I am not sure I see the value in going back. Listening to recorded music is one of the things that have improved greatly over the years. Why would you want to listen to the golden oldies on a large scratchy device when the new technology takes up less space and is much clearer in sound?

But then again this type of “remembering the good old days” is not new to our generation. The Christians addressed in the letter to the Hebrews were doing just the same thing. Their Jewish traditions had tutored them in all of the laws of ancient Israel. Before coming to know Jesus Christ and following Him they had regularly participated in all the feasts and sacrifices that were necessary to cover their sins. Year in and year out they would take their offerings to the priests who would perform the rituals needed to atone for their trespasses.

When these men and women heard about the salvation that comes from Jesus they left the traditions of their former lives and followed after Him. This was not an easy decision as often their unbelieving families and acquaintances made life hard for them in their new way of living. Some became discouraged and decided to go back to the “good old days” where they fit in with the others in the Jewish community.

The writer of Hebrews wrote this letter to show these wavering believers the foolishness of their decision and to bring them back to what is so much better. Did they not know that the priest who offered their sacrifices needed to perform his duties day after day after day? And even then those sacrifices could never take away their sins. The blood of lambs and goats could only cover their trespasses but failed to take away their guilt.

On the other hand the blood of Jesus Christ, Who was the final sacrifice for sin, was fully sufficient to remove all traces of their blemishes and cleanse their consciences of all guilt. The traditions of the past were only meant to point to Christ’s all-sufficient offering. By His one sacrifice He perfected for all time those who were cleansed by it making them righteous before God. No more sacrifices. No more guilt. What could be better than that?

When it comes to music I guess the nostalgia of old time voices on old time scratchy records can be quaint and endearing, but there are other things for which it does not pay to “remember the good old days.” In fact, the good old days were not so good after all. What we now have in Jesus Christ is so much better! His one time sacrifice paid the price of our sin and for those who draw near our eternal destiny is secure. No more sacrifices needed. No more guilt and shame.

So, goodbye “good old days”! Instead, hello to complete peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Love,

Mama

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Hi, I'm Sandy! 

I write inspirational letters based on the Bible that share words of hope, encouragement, truth, and healing to my children and anyone else who longs for a mama's touch.

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