5 Understandable Words for Today

"...Who serves in the sanctuary..."  Hebrews 8:1d

We are returning to the book of Hebrews, entering chapter eight, where Jesus is described as, "...a high priest Who sat down at the right hand of the throne of Majesty in heaven..." (v.1b) Like all priests, Jesus serves in a sanctuary, though not just any sanctuary... He serves in the true tabernacle untouched by human hands (v.1d) All sanctuaries constructed by man are copies of the one true heavenly tabernacle, and as such are a mere shadow of the wonders awaiting the Believer once s/he arrive in heaven. Indeed, Paul described it to the Corinthians with a striking similarity to Isaiah 64:4::

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him..."  1 Co. 2:9

The writers then make the argument for the necessity of God's intervention through the life of His Son. Quoting from Old Testament sources, including Exodus, Ezekiel, Zechariah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. The sound reference to God's declaration of an approaching time when He would make a new covenant, a holy union where the Believer will know God's laws by heart, and experience God's forgiveness of his/her wickedness. (v.'s 10-12)

The writers assert the first covenant as obsolete and will disappear, for God has instituted a new covenant - even describing it as "new". (v.13) The fault with the original covenant is squarely identified as an inadequacy of man to keep his part of the covenant (v.8). The law could only identify our sin and wrong doing... it did not give us a heart for God. God's new covenant creates in one's soul a new heart... a heart that burns for Him and His Kingdom... a forgiven heart that is motivated by love for God, not fear of punishment by the law.

If there had been nothing wrong with the first covenant, there would have been no need for a second... no need for a final sacrifice... only a system of works where we would strive to please God. As it is, the work has all been accomplished... it is finished and complete in the substitutional death of Christ on the cross. (Read Ephesians 2:8-9) Thank God for His superior plan and His unmatched grace extended toward each of us. 

We have a high priest Who intercedes for us and, "...Who serves in the Sanctuary..."  which we will one day see, when we behold Him face to face.

Looking to that glorious day,

steve