July 27, 2021 — A Study on the Book of Hebrews

“Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being. Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.” Hebrews 8:1-6

Hebrews 8:6 is a pivotal verse in the epistle. It closes the first major argument. The book was written to prove the following proposition: The New Testament in Jesus’ blood is superior to and takes the place of the First Testament in animal blood. The writer has proved this to be true on the basis of pure logic and the Old Testament Scriptures. Using the logical argument that a superior workman turns out a superior product, he has shown that Messiah, the Founder of the New Testament is better than the founders of the First Testament, who were the prophets, angels, Moses, Joshua, and Aaron. Therefore, the testament He brought in is superior to and takes the place of theirs.” (Commentary on Hebrews 8:4-6, Precept Austin)

Jesus is both our sacrifice – and our gift. Jesus sacrificed his life so that we all can have life. As such, one of Christ’s many gifts, if not his greatest gift to us, is his gift of Grace. Now you may ask, what is Grace? Well, that is a great question. So let me answer that for you. Grace is unmerited love. Grace is the unexpected gift when you least expect it or deserve it. Grace is receiving love when you feel the most unloved – or the most unworthy of love. This is what Jesus gives to you – and to me.

We get many gifts throughout our life – at Christmas, at weddings, at birthdays, and at anniversaries. Those gifts are temporary and transitory. The gift of Jesus and the Grace he offers us is permanent and eternal. It is a gift we must cherish often.

Pastor Dave

July 26, 2021 — A Study on the Book of Hebrews

 Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.” Hebrews 7:26-28

“This is one of the central ideas of Hebrews, and it is a unique contribution in the New Testament to our understanding of Jesus. Our passage has two main points: 1) Because Jesus is not subject to death, in contrast to the earthly priests, as the heavenly high priest he is able to serve and offer salvation perpetually; 2) Jesus only had to sacrifice himself once for all people, in contrast to the repeated sacrifices made by the earthly priests.

Earthly priests obviously die, so their priesthood is of limited duration, but because of his resurrection and exaltation to God’s right hand, Jesus’ priesthood will have no end. This eternal status thus provides a different order of salvation than that available through the traditional priesthood — the salvation offered by Jesus is eternal, because his intercession on our behalf will never cease.” (workingpreacher.org, Scott Shauf, October 28, 2021)  

Jesus, as the last high priest that we need, has been set apart and fulfills for us all the reconciliation we need. There is no other priest we need who takes away our sin. There is nothing we need to do that Jesus has not already done for us. As such, our ultimate goal is not just belief, but a faith in the one we call our High Priest that moves us to action. It is one thing to say “I believe”. It is another thing to live in the manner that says Jesus is our High Priest and Lord.

Living out our faith each and every day requires a life of prayer, praise and thanksgiving. We should wake up with a prayer, recite prayers throughout the day, and end the day with a prayer. In my devotion for July 24 I offered to you Luther’s morning prayer. Today I give you his evening prayer.

LUTHER’S EVENING PRAYER – In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Pastor Dave