S) "1 Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. ... 6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises."
Hebrews 8:1-2, 6 (NASB)
O) One thing that's important to remember when reading the book of Hebrews, is that it's written to a people who had a long-standing, historical covenant with God. But, these three verses almost completely sum up what is the main theme of the book of Hebrews. Jesus was the Son of God, a perfect sacrifice, a risen king who became our new high priest, serving in the heavenly sanctuary, and all of this was to seal the better covenant, replacing the old, giving us new, better promises. Whew! That was quite the little run-on sentence.
A) So, I sometimes find it a little hard to apply certain sections of Hebrews, because I had no former relationship with God at all. But, this is one of those passages that is really only applied by realization, acceptance, and memory. It's important to remember that Jesus ministers as The High Priest forever and ever, which means that there is no additional sacrifice necessary, or even appropriate. So, I cannot try to redeem myself, or pay for my own mistakes by way of some sacrifice or good deeds. Furthermore, the promises that were established under the old covenant pale in comparison to the new promises. Keeping this in mind, I should be increasingly encouraged when I read about God's grace, mercy, protection, provision, and all other blessings in the Old Testimony.
P) Father, thank You first of all, for the grace that is found in the Gospel to the gentiles. I had no way to benefit from Your promises, blessings, ... any of it. But by the miracle that was Jesus' sacrifice for all mankind, You provided a way to redeem a people who was not a people - me. Holy Spirit, remind me of the principles of this passage. If and/or when I sin, remind me to let it go after repentance, realizing that I can do nothing to fix the error, and that through the blood of Jesus, my High Priest, the sin is forgiven and I am no longer liable. Help me do a good job of ministering this this precious grace to others. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) So, I sometimes find it a little hard to apply certain sections of Hebrews, because I had no former relationship with God at all. But, this is one of those passages that is really only applied by realization, acceptance, and memory. It's important to remember that Jesus ministers as The High Priest forever and ever, which means that there is no additional sacrifice necessary, or even appropriate. So, I cannot try to redeem myself, or pay for my own mistakes by way of some sacrifice or good deeds. Furthermore, the promises that were established under the old covenant pale in comparison to the new promises. Keeping this in mind, I should be increasingly encouraged when I read about God's grace, mercy, protection, provision, and all other blessings in the Old Testimony.
P) Father, thank You first of all, for the grace that is found in the Gospel to the gentiles. I had no way to benefit from Your promises, blessings, ... any of it. But by the miracle that was Jesus' sacrifice for all mankind, You provided a way to redeem a people who was not a people - me. Holy Spirit, remind me of the principles of this passage. If and/or when I sin, remind me to let it go after repentance, realizing that I can do nothing to fix the error, and that through the blood of Jesus, my High Priest, the sin is forgiven and I am no longer liable. Help me do a good job of ministering this this precious grace to others. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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