There is a lot of talk about blood in this reading. Personally, I’m not a fan of blood. I’ve never actually passed out, but I do get queasy. I would not make a very good nurse. But the focus here is not on injury or gore, but on purification and sacrifice. For us to be worthy of God’s presence, we need to be pure and holy. How do we get that way? It’s nothing we can accomplish on our own. We need Jesus, our perfect sacrifice.
As I’ve said before, the book of Hebrews was originally written to help the new Jewish Christians understand the immensity of what had happened thanks to the blood of Jesus. He writes, “For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” Wait a minute, can’t there be forgiveness between humans without bloodshed? I think the statement is a bit over the top. Suffice it to say, however, that our forgiveness from God is dependent on Jesus’ sacrifice for us. The new covenant came with a price. Jesus paid that price.
Jesus has gone on ahead to the Father. He only had to die once, just as we only die once. What happens after we die? Many fear death because of the uncertainty. It probably comes down to a lack of trust. It may be due to fear. We know we are sinners, and what will happen when we “meet our Maker?” That can certainly elicit fear in the hearts of those who are not totally devoted to Jesus.
When we walk closely with our Savior, spending time in the Word and in prayer, we can have the assurance of what happens next. What eternity looks like in detail, we don’t need to know. We simply put our trust in Jesus to lead us home. Our destiny is to stand before God. His judgment will come.
Have we prepared well? Have we lived our lives pleasing him? Because of what Jesus has done for me, I want only to live a life that pleases God, striving to be more and more like Jesus every day, living with a servant’s heart, knowing without a doubt that Jesus is my truth and way. On that day when I stand boldly before God, I will have Jesus by my side and be overflowing with the gratefulness. He will welcome me home.
When will Jesus come again to take us home? I don’t know. But I know he will. He said so.
Let’s pray. Lord thank you for the blood you shed for me. May I never take for granted the great sacrifice you made. It is because of you that I will be able to live forever with you in your kingdom. What a glorious day that will be when I am reunited with you. You have placed me here to serve you, to love, to be like you, and to tell others about you. Continue your work in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
It’s good to see where our worship practices began. It helps to understand why certain pieces of furniture are placed in churches where they are. But we also realize these are from the “first covenant.” We have been reading about the New Covenant God has with his people. The traditions ascribed to the first covenant can thereby be set aside.
Our discussion on the priesthood continues in today’s reading. Jesus has stepped up as our high priest. He was appointed by God because he was in the right family. What used to be the job of a man, a mere mortal in the line of Levi, is now our Lord’s. Had the old way not been flawed, God wouldn’t have fixed it. Even God looks out for ways to be more efficient in helping his people. The saying, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. Well, the system was broke and God sacrificed himself to fix it.
Jesus is our high priest. He reigns forever. We have an audience with God because of Jesus and the price he paid for us. This is an example of once and done. Our salvation rests in Jesus. As the Bible says, “Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.”
What a name! Melchizedek. Not one we hear often. I’m not even sure how to pronounce it. As you know, my devotional reflections are never meant to be a full-on Bible study. I simply share how God is speaking to my heart. My hope is you hear God speaking to you as well.
