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January 5 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Hence, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. Hebrews 13:12-14. It was the custom in the sacrifices of the Old Testament that the carcasses of the slain animals were burned outside the city. So it was with Jesus, who was slain on the cross outside of the city of Jerusalem. His reproach, His shame, and His sacrifice become ours through faith. To be outside the camp, or the city, is to trust in only Jesus. We are not seeking satisfaction from worldly attempts to control our lives. We are not following religious principles that imply that we can improve ourselves or make ourselves presentable to God. No, we are to place ourselves in the care of Jesus. We are new creatures within Him, and we find ourselves outside the boundaries of the characteristics that the world may try to impose upon us. Our citizenship is in heaven. Jesus becomes an altar for us where we kneel in worship. All of our life, our so-called possessions and our goals are really His. We cannot learn this from the world system—we must learn only from Jesus. I know that many of us have not found the peace and the fulfillment that is to be enjoyed ‘outside the camp.’ Let us who have discovered this truth seek to share what we have found with all those around us. Father, we are so indebted to You and Your Son. Your Holy Spirit keeps leading us and loving us into Your camp. We are so blessed. Let us live like vessels that are designed to express Your love to others. For that is really why we are here. Thank You and Amen. |
