Pentecost : Last Will and Testament
Have you ever attended the reading of a last will and testament? In Hebrews 9:15-23 the Holy Spirit inspired author compares the New Covenant of the Gospel of Jesus with a last will and testament. It is not something we earn, and in it God rewards us by His grace. We must of course receive this will by faith, though we cannot earn it, we could choose not to accept it. In this will, God gives us His Holy Spirit and a promise of an eternal inheritance kept in heaven. On Pentecost Sunday we praise God for His unspeakably wonderful gift.
Scripture Reading
Hebrews 9:15-23 ESV Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. [16] For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. [17] For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive. [18] Therefore not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood. [19] For when every commandment of the law had been declared by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, [20] saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for you.” [21] And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship. [22] Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. [23] Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
Bible Study Questions
Why do we human beings need a mediator between us and God? (Romans 5:9-10)
Why did we need redeeming? What held us captive, and what did Jesus do to secure our freedom? (1 Peter 1:17-19)
How are we blessed with an inheritance now (Acts 2:38-39)
How are we blessed with an inheritance in the world to come (1 Peter 1:3-5, Revelation 21:3-8)
The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, regenerates us, purifies us and equips us to be like Jesus, gives us gifts so that we can do God’s work, is the ultimate source of love, joy and peace,, helps us pray, and makes God known to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-11)
The Holy Spirit went ahead of Jesus directly after descending on Him at His baptism. Where did He accompany Him to? (Matthew 3:17-4:1)
Will the Holy Spirit also lead us through times of trial? (Matthew 3:17-4:1)
Prayer
Dear Father God Thank You for buying our freedom with the precious blood of Christ. Please forgive us Father, when we try to live in our own strength and pursue our own righteousness, or our own goals. Father we repent, and ask that You fill us with Your beloved Holy Spirit and equip us with everything we need to fulfil the purpose for which You created us. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Worship
Breathe on me, breath of God:
fill me with life anew,
that I may love as you have loved
and do as you would do.
Breathe on me, breath of God,
until my heart is pure,
until my will is one with yours
to do and to endure.
Breathe on me, breath of God;
fulfil my heart's desire,
until this earthly part of me
glows with your heavenly fire.
Breathe on me, breath of God;
so shall I never die,
but live with you the perfect life
of your eternity.
Service
The next find you find yourself in the desert and feeling like you’re under trial and testing - remember that the Holy Spirit of God goes before you just like He lead our Lord Jesus through His tests and trials. Ask the Father to help you not to waste this difficult time, but to show you how to glorify Him through the suffering, and to help others around you.