Hebrews – Page 11 – Be Still…

Hebrews 9:1-10 – Worship Traditions

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.

Are you like me, asking, “Where is the Ark of the Covenant now?” After a brief discussion with Bible scholar husband, David, I learned there isn’t a concrete answer. One would assume that when the temple was demolished by the Babylons the Ark was also destroyed. One could also speculate that a high priest of the time had the Ark hidden and preserved. There is no mention of the Ark in Scripture after the temple was destroyed. As you know, the temple was rebuilt only to be destroyed again after the time of Jesus. It has never been rebuilt although some Jews hold on to that hope. Continue reading “Hebrews 9:1-10 – Worship Traditions”

Hebrews 8:1-13 – Jesus is High Priest

Read Hebrews 8:1-13

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.

Again, our author is helping the people to understand the immensity of what is happening here. He quotes the words of Jeremiah to compare the old and new covenants. Again, God saw a need for a new promise. Times had changed and so had people. It was time for God to make all things new. He sent his son and when “God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear.” God’s change was huge! Continue reading “Hebrews 8:1-13 – Jesus is High Priest”

Hebrews 7:15-28 – Jesus Has Our Back

Read Hebrews 7:15-28

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.”

How does that make you feel to know that Jesus stands ready to intercede for you? I often picture myself before a judge feeling more and more anxious until I look up and see Jesus ready to plead my case. Having a legal background, this image is particularly vivid. You have probably watched enough television shows to have witnessed a court of law. Wasn’t it Perry Mason that always saved the day? Matlock was a little more recent but did the same thing. I know that’s theatrics and not real, but Jesus’ love and support are real and available to us. Continue reading “Hebrews 7:15-28 – Jesus Has Our Back”

Hebrews 7:1-14 – Who is Melchizedek?

Read Hebrews 7:1-14

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.

Today, however, I felt like I wanted to learn a bit more to understand who Melchizedek was. It’s a name I’ve heard before, but it’s not as common as some of the other Bible heroes (to me at least). So I did a little side reading. I learned that Melchizedek was only mentioned a couple of times in the Old Testament. What the author says here is piecing a couple stories together, and maybe even some “lore”. The line in today’s text that struck me was, “He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God.” How does he resemble Jesus? Continue reading “Hebrews 7:1-14 – Who is Melchizedek?”

Hebrews 6:13-20 – God’s Promises

Read Hebrews 6:13-20

Did you know that Abraham waited 25 years from the time God promised to multiply his descendants until he had his first son? That was patience! That was obedience! That was God being true to his word. We can always be sure God will keep his promises.

There are many things in life we can not be sure of. You may have had a life experience when you were trusting in someone or something only to be hurt in some way. It’s not the same with God. I especially like the image of an anchor. “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.” We can have confidence in this hope for God will not disappoint. We can be grounded in the truth that God loves us and has our best interest in mind. Continue reading “Hebrews 6:13-20 – God’s Promises”