Digging Deeper Reaching Higher Hebrews 12:1-2

let us strip off every weight Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:1)

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honour beside God's throne. (Hebrews 12:2)

Google “godtube baggage” OR

Baggage Have you ever felt… Guilty Regret Hurt What is God’s answer to this?

Sacrifice Humans have been offering animal sacrifices since history began God didn’t ask for it, humans just did it –To make amends for their guilt –To say they were sorry –To stop the gods being angry –Even sacrificed children So God brought order and meaning to it

Leviticus 1:1-2 The Lord called to Moses from the Tent of Meeting and said to him, "Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. When you present an animal as an offering to the Lord, you may take it from your herd of cattle or your flock of sheep and goats.

Leviticus 1:3 If the animal you present as a burnt offering is from the herd, it must be a male with no defects. Bring it to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting so you may be accepted by the Lord

Leviticus 1:4-5 Lay your hand on the animal's head, and the Lord will accept its death in your place to purify you, making you right with him. Then slaughter the young bull in the Lord's presence, and Aaron's sons, the priests, will present the animal's blood by splattering it against all sides of the altar that stands at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

God’s way of sacrifice Get an animal (a male, no defects) –Not a human –Something that costs Bring it to the priest Admit your mistake Lay your hands on its head –Press hard, transfer your guilt Kill the animal –Watch it die in your place Not cheap, easy forgiveness

God’s way of sacrifice It wasn’t about keeping God happy It was about giving mankind a way of dealing with their baggage It was a way to get rid of our –Guilt –Shame –Feeling inadequate Is it really what God wanted?

God’s new way of sacrifice Stop all that sacrificing nonsense God was never bothered about it This is what it’s really about

But the fact is, it was our pains he carried - our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us. We thought he brought it on himself, that God was punishing him for his own failures. But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him — our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed. Isaiah 53:4-5

Jesus’ death deals with our baggage Our guilt Our hang ups Our pain Our weakness

We have to ‘get hold’ of this Jesus died for all, but we have to lay hold of it for ourselves We can hand over baggage today it arrives at the cross 2000 years ago and it gets put to death and you go free today

Baggage Hurts Guilt Addictive behaviour / habits Anger Past relationships Worry Regrets Unforgiveness Selfishness Feeling worthless “Why did I do that?” “How did I get here?” “What is wrong with me?”

It’s a process It can take time The baggage can appear again Keep letting go Keep giving it God

How do I respond? Sacrifices were not about keeping God happy – they’re about helping us Realise some of the baggage you’re carrying and how it holds you back Start giving the baggage to God