Now
the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest,
one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in
heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent[a] that the Lord
set up, not man....They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” Hebrews 8:1-2, 5
This morning, my focus is DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, where John Piper seeks for believers to prepare our hearts for Christmas. Today's Solid Joys daily devotion marks day 13 of Advent, and today John Piper once again uses Hebrews 8:1-2 (see also post yesterday) to emphasize how Jesus is our great High Priest, and unlike the high priests of the Old Testament, He is not just a shadow or foretaste of God but God Himself. Piper builds on yesterday's devotion by also using v5. Piper sums it up by saying: "Jesus deals directly with God the Father. He has a place of honor beside God. He is loved and respected infinitely by God. He is constantly with God. This is not shadow-reality like curtains and bowls and tables and candles and robes and tassels and sheep and goats and pigeons. This is final, ultimate reality: God and his Son interacting in love and holiness for our eternal salvation." Rejoice that believers have this final, ultimate reality of having the triumvirate Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for serving as the Great High Priest so that I could have life to the full now, and forever with You in Heaven. I am not deserving of such a sacrifice - the greatest gift of all time. My sin is great it continues. Please forgive me, help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.