November 8, 2016 – 46 Days Until My Head Explodes, Or Devotions to Prepare Us For Christ’s Coming

“Now the main 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 the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary and the true tent that the Lord, and not any mortal, has set up. For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; hence it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. They offer worship in a sanctuary that is a sketch and shadow of the heavenly one; for Moses, when he was about to erect the tent, was warned, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” 6 But Jesus has now obtained a more excellent ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted through better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need to look for a second one.” Hebrews 8:1-7

Well, I guess once my head explodes, this is what might be remaining – and I will say again, might be remaining. Usually Christmas makes me lose my mind, and look, there it is. What else says Merry Christmas than a brain with a Santa hat on it.

This is the simplicity of the gospel summed up in this chapter of Hebrews: The old covenant
(G-d’s promise to bless his people if they followed his commands) was flawed – it didn’t work because people were so sinful. They would make sacrifices and confess their sins, but then they would almost immediately turn away from God. Putting it in a manner I can understand, the sinfulness of the people made G-d’s head explode. Therefore, G-d sent his Son Jesus to make the perfect sacrifice. He lived a perfect life, gave his life for us as a sacrifice, and now sits at the right hand of God as the great High Priest. When we remember this simple gospel, it gives us joy and peace. We shouldn’t beat ourselves up for every mistake we make, and we have thankful attitudes and hearts toward G-d. When we realize what Jesus did for us all, we want to be obedient and follow G-d’s commands. In short, the gospel helps us to be the people we want to be. How does the simple truth of the gospel affect you? Spend time thanking Christ for what he did for us because, what he did for us deserves our worship – and our focus every day.

Pastor Dave