But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second. Hebrews 8:6-7
This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter nine - Powerful Worship - covering Leviticus 9:1-24, looking specifically at the theme - Powerful Worship Requires God's Mediation. Here, the commentary looks at how in the Old Testament God requires a priest (Aaron and his sons here in Leviticus 9) to mediate between the Israelites and God, and how believers in Christ have a new and better mediator. The commentary points out how both the Israelites and believers in Christ require a mediator or priest: "God has decreed that people cannot come into His presence in the same way we come into the presence of other people. Just like...[others who]...speak a different language so...[we need]...help, God is different from us so we need help in approaching Him. The difference between us and God is not just a matter of degree, as if we are good and He is considerably better. No. He is other, separate from us. We are finite, He is infinite. We are weak, His power has no limits. We are ignorant, He is all knowing. We are earthly, He is Heavenly. We are contaminated by sin, but no sin will ever be in His holy presence. In fact, no sin has been in His presence except for the moment when He took our sin on Himself on the cross to atone for our sin so that we can come into His presence." When Jesus died on the cross for us, He became both the sacrifice for our sins and the priest through which we access God; He replaced the old covenant and its system of priests and sacrifices with the new covenant. We are urged to look closely at Hebrews as a scriptural reference for this new covenant and Jesus' role as priest - Hebrews 6:19-20, 7:22, 26-27, and 8:6-7).
Comment and discuss this post here.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a perfect sacrifice and priest and I am so grateful for the sacrifice You made for me and for the role that You play so that I can approach God with confidence. Yet I am undeserving of such a sacrifice and priest. I worry....please forgive me Jesus and 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.
