Only One Way to Fix It.

 I recently replaced the faucet in my kitchen. I didn’t want to replace it. I wasn’t doing it to update the color or get one with more features, but rather because the faucet was worn out. The gaskets and mechanical parts were failing. The faucet was made in such a way that “fixing” it was not possible. No one sold the parts that it needs, and by the time you actually found said parts (if they exist) and ordered them you would have been most of the way to price of a purchasing a new faucet. They didn’t make it to be repaired they made it to be replaced. There was only one way to fix it. It had to be replaced.

 I like options. I hate being forced into “one way or the high way”. In fact, I am most attracted to methods and ways of doing things that are often considered unconventional. I find that the experience of life is better when I leave the highway and explore the less traveled lanes. However, on occasion there is nothing to be done. There is no creative way around it. There is no alternative choice, indeed there is only one way.

 The sacrifice of Jesus was just such an instance. Why did Jesus have to die? Why would he sacrifice Himself? Last week we talked about His motivation. He loved us and laid down his life for His friends all for the glory of God. It answers the question of motivation but leaves unanswered a question “Why this method?” Wasn’t there some other way that sin could be dealt with? Wasn’t there some way He could save His friends, but not have to experience crucifixion? 

The answer to this question lies in understanding the very nature of God Himself. It was not that there is some universal principle that constrains and supersedes even God. If that were true then there would be something greater than God. Nothing is. Rather, we can only understand the necessity for the sacrifice if we understand the immutability of the righteousness of God Himself. It is impossible for God to be something and act in a way that opposite of His very self.   Sins penalty is death comes out of God’s holiness and righteousness. There was only one way to fix it.  This week we will focus on this one way, the sacrifice of Jesus.

“Every priest goes to work at the altar each day, offers the same old sacrifices year in, year out, and never makes a dent in the sin problem. As a priest, Christ made a single sacrifice for sins, and that was it! Then he sat down right beside God and waited for his enemies to cave in. It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process.”

                     ~Hebrews 10:11-14 (MSG)

See you at church,

 Pastor Chris