S) "13 When He said, 'A new covenant,' He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear."
Hebrews 8:13 (NASB)
O) Context is very important to understanding this verse, and how it relates to the next few chapters. The writer is addressing Hebrew Christians. These are people who have put their faith in Jesus as the Messiah they've been seeking. These are people who have often been ostracized by their community, as rebelling against the contemporary rabbis, synagogues, and culture. The gospel was teaching them that the old system of temple sacrifice is obsolete, and yet many of their friends and family members were still participants in that old temple system. Because the temple had not yet been destroyed, as of the time this book was written, it was hard to comprehend. However, it was no small thing that Jesus prophesied the destruction of the temple, because that affirms the fact that His sacrifice is eternal, sufficient, and superior in every way. But, as of the time of this writing, the temple work had not yet disappeared.
A) This verse (like many that I've highlighted in this book), serves to remind me that the covenant in Jesus Christ will never be replaced. This verse reminds me of the sovereignty of God, that He is the author of the gospel from its start. This humbles me, and makes me thankful, knowing that God's love and compassion, His grace, was to give us such a permanent covenant. He so desired reconciliation with us, that He made a way for us forever to be with Him.
P) Father, thank You for such a great love as You have poured out for me. Thank You for making a permanent, perfect covenant, that I can be reconciled to You based on nothing less, than the sacrifice of Your one and only Son. Open my eyes to see these nuances in Scripture. Help me to see context and have more understanding about Your eternal ways. I long to know You more and better, Father God. Have Your way with Your servant. In Jesus's name I pray, amen.
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