For you have not (emphasis added) come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them.

Hebrews 12

For you have not (emphasis added) come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. Hebrews 12:18-19

I continue my study of Hebrews, and this morning my focus is Hebrews 12:18-24, and and I am assisted in my understanding by the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary Series for Hebrews. The commentary outlines two divisions for this text.  Broadly, the commentary's main point is how the text contrasts the Old Covenant made on Mount Sinai with the New Covenant made through Jesus, primarily through the people of Jerusalem - represented eschatologically as Mount Zion or the New Jerusalem.

I. Mount Sinai (12:18-21): The commentary first highlights how the text uses the word "for" to build on the previous text and use it as means to share how believers are to strengthen their hands and weakened knees, and straighten the paths for their feet (see v12-13) by recognizing that they have come to a better mountain - Zion.  In the Old Testament (see Exodus 19-20), Sinai represented [God's] incomparable power, might, and sheer holiness.  Thus, this mountain was a place of awe and terror for Israel. Any animal that touched Sinai was to be stoned (see Exodus 19:12-13, Hebrews 12:20) and the commentary describes this as demonstrat[ing] the costliness of uncleanness in the midst of God’s holy presence.  The command for animals to avoid touching Mount Sinai was used "to show just how incomprehensibly terrifying God’s presence on Sinai was for the people of Israel. It was so fearsome that even Moses was afraid."

II. Mount Zion (12:22-24): The commentary then contrasts Mount Sinai with Mount Zion to underscore the author of Hebrews key point in verse 18 how believers how come to a different mountain - not Mount Sinai.  The commentary shares: "He paints this terrifying picture of Sinai for his readers in order to make the contrast with the radiant, glorious, and gracious new covenant. The awful terror of Sinai, which is not the mount to which we have come, shows the radical mercy of Zion. At Zion God embraces us with his grace and administers to us a covenant where he does not merely write the law on tablets of stone but on the tablets of our hearts." We are reminded that the picture described is of the New Jerusalem - and our experience now is simply a foretaste of heaven, which of course will be glorious. 

Be encouraged that we have such an approachable God who is saving us a place in such a glorious place as Heaven!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are such an awesome God that we can now approach you daily and directly without terror.  Of course we are to fear God and hate sin so as to flee from it but at the same time we know we have a God that washes away our sin and is full of grace and mercies that are new every morning.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues daily.  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.  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.

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem...and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Hebrews 12

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem...and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. Hebrews 12:22,24

I continue my study of Hebrews, and this morning my focus is Hebrews 12:18-24, and my unaided observations of the text. Here, building on verses 12-17, the author of Hebrews describes how believers through Jesus, have come to a better place through a better mediator - than what is described in Old Testament scripture.  In verses 18-21, the author of Hebrews is apparently referencing how God appeared to Moses and the Israelites on Mount Sinai as described in Exodus 19-20.  The scene at Mount Sinai was intended to strike fear in the hearts of the Israelites - to obey.  But we know that obedience through fear ultimately did not work because it is not through our own strength that we obey - it is only through submission to Jesus Christ who works in our heart to bring about a love of God verses love of sin.  Thank You Jesus for being a better mediator and offering a new way to God through Your Son!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are so good, full of amazing grace, compassion, and mercy...and You give Yourself so that I can approach God with confidence...directly.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and grace and mercy.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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.

Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Hebrews 9

 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Hebrews 9:25-26

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 9:23-28, as I lean on my commentary for the entirety of this text by way of introduction, and also a specific examination of the commentary for the first division - 9:23-26 which the commentary entitles "The Superlative Sacrifice of Christ." The commentary highlights the "sufficiency, singularity, and effectiveness of Christ’s sacrifice." Christ's sacrifice is described as better and superior to the sacrifices of the first covenant and Old Testament because as the commentary shares: "it is associated with heaven itself—the place of God’s very presence." The commentary wraps by then describing the "unprecedented" impact of Christ's sacrifice: it "dispenses sin, exiles it, places it under judgment, and ultimately defeats it."  The unprecedented nature of Christ's sacrifice is then described as being truly revolutionary for those reading Hebrews when originally written. The Jewish Christian readers at the time needed this book to help them see how Jesus is "better".

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who defeated sin and death and gave me an eternal inheritance - thank You Jesus for the victory You already won and give to me.  I am not deserving of such blessings and gifts.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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.

Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

Hebrews 9

Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:22

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 9:11-22, specifically looking at the fourth division covering 9:16-22, which the commentary entitles "The Better Blood of the New Covenant." Here, the commentary seeks for believers to recognize the importance of not just what Christ did through His death on the cross but also how He did it.  The commentary first describes how the author of Hebrews uses the analogy of a last will and testament and how it only takes effect upon someone's death.  It then moves to how in both the Old and New Testaments, the shedding of blood inaugurates the old and new covenants.  We are referred to Leviticus 17:11, where blood is described as key to life.  Shed blood, then, is essential as a sacrifice to atone for sin - God's wrath must be satisfied.  With Christ's blood, we have the new covenant and a direct path to God for not just forgiveness of sin, but also eternal life - praise Jesus!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who shed His blood for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace and gift - the greatest gift of all time.  Yet my sin is great...and it continues...daily.  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.

Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

Hebrews 9

Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. Hebrews 9:15

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 9:11-22, specifically looking at the third division covering 9:15, which the commentary entitles "The Superiority of Christ as Mediator of the New Covenant." Here with the focus being a singular verse - v15 - the key takeaway is this: while Christ is referred to as a mediator, the commentary makes it clear that there is no compromise or common ground as one would typically expect during mediation.  The commentary shares: "[f]ar from suggesting a compromise between two opposing positions, Christ agrees with the Father that we deserve the infinite outpouring of his wrath. He agrees with the Father about the ugliness of our sin. He agrees with the Father about the necessity of a sacrifice. And as our mediator, he agrees to be that sacrifice even as the Father sends him for that task....[Christ] mediated a better covenant and offered up a better sacrifice, one that was efficient to redeem people from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. In doing so, Christ secured an eternal inheritance for those who are called." Praise God!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who became the perfect sacrifice - taking my place for my sin...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace and a gift - the greatest gift of all time.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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.

...[H]ow much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.

Hebrews 9

 ...[H]ow much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Hebrews 9:14

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 9:11-22, and my initial unaided observations of this text. Here, the text pivots from what the first covenant, the high priest, the earthly tabernacle, and the Old Testament sacrificial system cannot do, to what Jesus did through the shedding of His blood.  Instead of entering the earthly tabernacle, Christ entered "through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation)" (v11), and He made the once and final sacrifice for all of humanity that redeemed sinners (v12).  He also cleansed believers not just externally, but internally by working in our hearts (v14).  V15-22 then goes on to describe how Jesus is the "mediator of a new covenant," and how believers "receive the promised eternal inheritance."  This inheritance is passed because of the will of Jesus and the will goes into effect by the shedding of His blood and His death. Praise God for this new and greater covenant where we have forgiveness of sin and the promised eternal inheritance!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who shed His blood and died for me, and gave me an forgiveness of sin and an eternal inheritance - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of these blessings...my sin is great and it continues...daily.  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.

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.

Hebrews 8

 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. Hebrews 8:6

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 8:1-13, specifically on the text of 8:6-13, leaning on my commentary for its observations on the second division entitled "The Superiority of the New Covenant".  Here, both the text and the commentary make it clear that the new covenant ushered in by Jesus and His shed blood in superior in all ways.  The commentary starts by pointing out how the first covenant was "incomplete" and it was not "final."  Yet, Jesus's death on the cross, as the commentary points out to us by referring us to John 19:30, finished the need for "an unrelenting need for constant sacrifices...the wrath of God toward the sin of his people was finally paid in full."  The commentary then makes this emphatic point: "[i]ndeed, a better priest with a better ministry has come to mediate a better covenant enacted on better promises."  The commentary also shares how the author of Hebrews uses Jeremiah 31, as already done with Genesis 14 (Melchizedek) and Psalm 110, to show [the original readers of Hebrews] them that "they should have been anticipating a priest according to the order of Melchizedek."  The commentary then wraps for this text by describing the "extraordinary promise of the new covenant [as] not that God would dismiss the old covenant but that he would be merciful toward our iniquities and remember our sins no more.  Our greatest problem is sin, for it severs us from the presence of God. Our sin and his holiness are incompatible, yet God promised to reconcile sinful people to himself through the mediator who would inaugurate the new covenant. He chose to do this through his Son, Jesus Christ, the mediator who established the new covenant in his blood (Luke 22:20)."

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My Prayer: Heavenly Father - You are an awesome God whose covenant with His people is better in all ways - thank You Jesus!  You paid the ultimate price so that I would have victory over sin and death and life to the full now and for eternity.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such sin.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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.

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 that the Lord set up, not man.

Hebrews 8

 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 that the Lord set up, not man. Hebrews 8:1

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 8:1-13, focusing on the text of 8:1-5 specifically, and leaning on my commentary for its observations, including observations for the entirety of the text v1-13 and for v1-5 which my commentary refers to as the first division entitled "The Superiority of the Great High Priest". The commentary focuses on how the text for v1-5, for the Jewish believers reading the original text of Hebrews, reinforces the need for Jesus as a great high priest "who mediates a new and better covenant." It describes the Old Testament priesthood, fulfilled by the Levites, as "terrestrial" while the New Testament priesthood, fulfilled by Jesus, is heavenly, and Jesus's stature is "exalted" above all names.  The commentary refers us to Philippians 2:8-9 where Paul shares Christ's exalted status. The commentary then lays to rest any doubts that Christ's work is complete - instead it shares how Christ's "mediatory work is [His] primary occupation," and how He is coming back at the end of times to "vindicate His church and judge the nations." Finally, the commentary explores in detail how the text for today describes how Christ operates in a Heavenly tent or tabernacle created by God vs with human hands.  On the other hand, the sacrifice and the ministry offered by the Levites was merely a shadow of what was to come - Christ. Believers, rejoice in how we have Jesus Christ - a Great High Priest who offers a new and better covenant!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and who came down from Heaven and died on the cross for me...and You continue to mediate for me daily and never leave or forsake me.  You also offer hope...through victory over sin and death.  Thank You Jesus for these blessings!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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.

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.

Hebrews 8

 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. Hebrews 8:6

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 8:1-13, and my initial unaided observations of this text.  Here the text builds on how Hebrews has previously discussed how Jesus is a better, permanent, and perfect Great High Priest to describe how Jesus offers a new and better covenant based on Jesus's shed blood.  First, Jesus enters the most holy place set up by God, not in a tent erected by man (v2).  This tent, the and the entirety of the First Covenant was merely a shadow of things to come in Jesus (v5).  The author of Hebrews quotes (v8-12) Jeremiah 31 where Jeremiah prophesies of the coming Messiah.  Jesus is the Messiah Jeremiah spoke he - Jesus fulfills prophecy.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the promised Messiah and You offer a better covenant - through Your blood...I am not deserving of such a blessing.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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.

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7

 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 7:23-28, and my initial unaided observations of this text.  Here the text starts by contrasting how the service of Levitical priests was limited by their earthly lives and their ultimately ended upon death (v23).  Jesus, of course reigns as Great High Priest forever (v24).  V25 states that, as a result, Jesus is able to save "to the uttermost," which is defined as a superlative - to the highest degree.  He only saves those "who draw near to God through Him."  Jesus is able to do this because "He always lives to make intercession for them." V26-28 explore attributes of Jesus as Great High Priest, including "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens." This text also describes how the Great High Priest does not need to perform ritualistic sacrifices for Himself nor for those whom He intercedes.  He offered Himself on the cross.  The text wraps by contrasting the Levitical priests as weak and whose service ended upon death, with Jesus who is the perfect Great High Priest.  Believers, rejoice in how Jesus is able to save to the uttermost!

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My Prayer: Jesus, You are a better mediator and You intercede all the time on my behalf to save me, forgive me and to bring my prayers to the Father.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of these blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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.

 

And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’” This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.

Hebrews 7

And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’” This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. Hebrews 7:20-22

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, my focus is on Hebrews 7:11-22, as I lean on my commentary, and how it unpacks the fifth division "A Better Hope for a Better Covenant," which refers to Hebrews 7:20-22. The text and associated commentary highlight how the author of Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus is a superior High Priest than one from the Levites because He swore an oath to Himself from Psalm 110:4 that ‘You are a priest forever.’  This oath is "unchangeable." The commentary closes by sharing that "[i]n verse 22 the author [of Hebrews] also connects priesthood to covenant. This is an idea that he will more fully explain in chapter 8. Yet for the time being, the author hints at the fact that not only is Jesus a better priest, but his priesthood is actually part of a better covenant, the “new covenant” spoken of in Jeremiah 31[:31-34]....God’s covenant promise cannot fail because God’s priest, Jesus Christ, cannot fail." Believers: rest in the promises of God and His faithfulness!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is faithful - all of Your promises are true and we can count on You like no other!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide and how You are faithful.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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.

...[B]ut on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

Hebrews 7

 ...[B]ut on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. Hebrews 7:19

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, my focus is on Hebrews 7:11-22, as I lean on my commentary, and how it unpacks the fourth division "A Better Hope in the Perfect Priest," which refers to Hebrews 7:19. This text, and the accompanying commentary draws our attention to how Jesus, vs the Old Testament Levitical priests, is the perfect Great High Priest and how He is able to do what the law never could, nor was it intended to do - He saves. The commentary describes this comparison: "[i]n the old covenant, the law functioned in many ways the Israelites desperately needed, but it could not draw them closer to God. The law exposed the pervasive sinfulness of man and, as a result, the great need for a great Savior. Christ, however, does precisely what the law could never do. He saves. Jesus accomplished our salvation and gave us a new hope—a hope through which we now draw near to God."  Draw near to God!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God!  You save - and I am not deserving of my salvation.  Amazing grace indeed!  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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.

This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.

Hebrews 7

This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. Hebrews 7:22

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 7:11-22, and my initial unaided observations of this text.  Unpacking this text, I observe:

• The text rhetorically asks challenges us to see if perfection was possible through the Levitical priesthood, there would be no need for a priest after the order of Melchizedek (v11); while honorable men served from Levites as the high priest, each was flawed and imperfect
• It then logically connects a change in the priesthood - to not be a Levite - to a change in the law itself (v12); Jesus is known as the Great High Priest, and as perfect, yet He descended from Judah, not a Levite (v13-14)
• This change is even more clear and evident in Jesus given his resemblance to Melchizedek and by the power of an indestructible life (v14-17)
• Through Jesus, we set aside former commandments attached to the priesthood and sacrifices and we have have a better hope, though which we are reconciled to God once and for all through shed blood (v18-19)
• Jesus became Great High Priest with an oath God made to Himself (v20-21)
• Therefore, Jesus is the guarantor of a better covenant (v22)

Be grateful that we have Jesus as Great High Priest and that we can approach Him with confidence, knowing He forgives sins, hears our prayers, loves us, and never leaves or forsakes us.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  My sin is great and 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.

One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.

Hebrews 7

One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him. Hebrews 7:9-10

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, my focus is on Hebrews 7:1-10, as I lean on my commentary, and how it unpacks the second division "Melchizedek and Levi," which refers to Hebrews 7:5-10.  While yesterday, my post discussed Melchizedek and Abraham, this morning the text and the associated commentary discusses Melchizedek and Levi.  Here, in the midst of a discussion of how Levi was present and paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham, the commentary highlights a broader, and I believe more important point that Melchizedek was not only superior to Abraham, but also to the Levitical priesthood. The commentary emphasizes that this is important because the "Old Testament itself showed that the Levitical priesthood was always meant to give way to something greater. Thus the author [of Hebrews], under the inspiration and authority of the Holy Spirit, weaves together a biblical-theological argument to convince his audience of this fact on the basis of Scripture."  This morning's reading, when combined with yesterday's reading, lays down an important foundation as I pivot to Hebrews 7:11-22 over the next three days where an understanding of Melchizedek informs our understanding of Jesus's priesthood.  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great High Priest who intercedes on my behalf - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You do this.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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 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.

For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

Hebrews 5

For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. Hebrews 5:1-4

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, I maintain my focus on Hebrews 5:1-10, as I lean on my commentary and explore what the commentary describes as the first division "The Typical High Priest," which looks at Hebrews 5:1-4. The commentary starts by outlining how chapter 5 continues the theme from previous chapters in Hebrews where Christ is defined as better than angels, Moses, Joshua; here in chapter 5, Jesus is described as a better High Priest. The first few verses - 1 through 4 - offer a setup to this ultimate claim by exploring the nature of the high priest in the Old Testament.  First, it states that although the high priest is "chosen from among men," ultimately it is God who calls and appoints the high priest: "[t]he purpose of God appointing high priests was so that the high priest could act “for the people”; it was thus necessary for the high priest to be chosen from among the people. He represented the people as he ministered in the most holy place before God." Second, it unpacks a key attribute of the high priest is to sympathize and identify with the people, who are described as ignorant and wayward, and who go astray.  Astray is defined as "not to apply [God's] knowledge": "[t]he word astray does not necessarily mean acting in outright rebellion against God. It can refer simply to being wayward in our thoughts or habits and allowing ourselves to wander from the things of God. The high priest identifies with the ignorance and waywardness of his people because he too is a finite human beset with weaknesses." Third, the high priest is described as, in light of his ability to sympathize with the people, having his own sin that requires atonement. Finally, the high priest is defined as being humble - serving out of a desire to exalt God vs himself.  We are referred to Exodus 28:1, where we see God's call to Aaron and his sons to serve in priestly duties.  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who is a better High Priest than any person ever was or could be - You are my Lord and Savior!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You serve as my Great High Priest.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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.

For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.

Hebrews 3

For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. Hebrews 3:4

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 3:1-4, and how my commentary describes this text - with the heading "An Apostle and High Priest Better Than Moses" - as the first of two divisions in Hebrews 3:1-6.  Building on my observations from yesterday's post, where I describe how v1-6 contrasts Moses with Jesus, the commentary for v1-4 starts by pointing out the use of "Therefore" in v1 that connects this chapter to the previous chapter (chapter 2), and how this connector is an exhortation from the author of Hebrews to "consider Jesus": "[t]hus, because Jesus is the merciful and faithful high priest who has tasted death for everyone and is the source of our salvation, Jesus merits our full consideration." The exhortation to consider Jesus is more fully explored by first defining consider as "communicat[ing] the idea of meditation," and then by sharing how everyone has a worldview, and this worldview shapes our thoughts and actions.  Believers of course have a worldview also, but the commentary indicates that "[t]he author of Hebrews reminds us that the ultimate axiom for the intellectual thought life of the believer is Jesus Christ. He is not simply the author and finisher of our faith; he is the author and finisher of our thoughts as well. Considering Jesus should animate the intellectual patterns of all believers and recalibrate their biblical worldview." The commentary then wraps its examination of v1-4 by focusing on how and why the text compares Moses to Jesus: "[if Moses is worthy of glory as a servant, how much more worthy is Christ—the One who built the house?...Every house needs an architect. Christ functioned as the architect of God’s house—that is, God’s people. Thus, Christ is greater than Moses simply because he created Moses."  Worship the Creator, not man, nor creation!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God, who is the author of creation and in all things - holding all things together, including my life.  Thank You Jesus for how You provide, give life, and for how You save!  I am not deserving of my salvation, nor any of the blessings You provide.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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.

In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.

John 16

In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. John 16:26-27

This morning, until I start a new Bible study, I continue using devotionals from John Piper.  Today, the post focuses on what Piper sees as an encouragement for us to "go to God directly" or to not see Jesus as "more of a mediator than He is." We have access to Jesus directly and we are exhorted to see this as astonishing. This should give any believer "confidence" to approach God (Hebrews 4:16). Today's verses are indeed an encouragement for us to develop a deep and permanent relationship with Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  He indeed loves and He wants to spend time with us...He also wants us to approach Him anytime.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God that we can approach with confidence anytime - You desire a deep and personal relationship with us and seek us daily - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a Savior.  My sin is great and it is daily - worry, selfishness, etc. 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.