Accept No Imitations {Hebrews 9}

Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon? I haven’t. I’ve only seen pictures like this one, but others who have been, tell me that photographs can’t begin to do it justice; it’s something you have to see and experience yourself to truly appreciate it. That’s sort of what’s going on here in chapter 9 of Hebrews.   

The articles the author of Hebrews describes in these verses were considered the holiest objects of the Jewish faith. If these articles were discovered today they would be considered priceless archaeological treasures by today’s standards. But here, in this chapter, the author calls them all just an illustration (v. 9), carrying out mere external obligations (v. 10). 

What’s more, not everyone was free to enter the Holy of Holies where God dwelt. When Jesus died, He tore the curtain that separated the entire world from the Most Holy Place and He completed the ceremonial sacrifices once and for all. 

Throughout this book the author continues driving home the same message, which is: all that the Jewish faith treasured; the holy objects and rituals, amazing as they all were, were never sufficient to clear ones conscience or cleanse the stain of sin once and for all (v. 9).

Christ's role as our high priest is spelled out in the book of Hebrews 4:14 to 10:18.  He is the sinless Son of God! He is our compassionate Mediator before God the Father:

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. -Hebrews 4:15

No other book of the Bible so powerfully speaks of Jesus’ supremacy. Throughout Hebrews, the author continues to compare Jesus to the heroes of the Jewish faith. With each hero playing his part well, but still not able to compare to Christ Jesus! His sacrifice, His covenant, and His current ministry are far, far greater than anything the others have had to offer.

Jesus is greater than the angels, because He is the divine King (Heb 1:4, 6, 8).

Jesus is greater than Moses, because while Moses was a servant of God, Jesus is the Son of God (Heb 3:3–4).

Jesus is greater than Joshua, because Jesus brings a greater rest to the people of God (Heb 4:8–9).

Jesus is a greater priest than Aaron, because He is sinless and immortal (Heb 7:26–28).

"But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of His own blood, thus securing our eternal redemption." - Hebrews 9:11-12
 

The more I’ve read and researched,

·         The more I wanted to stop and just worship Him.

·         The more I also felt compelled to stop and examine my own walk and how I fall so short of such a holy God and all that He has done on my behalf.

I believe the author of Hebrews, whoever he might be, has done exactly what he set out to do and did it well. There is so much more we could say, but let’s spend the rest of our time worshiping Him and making sure we have accepted the gift He has given us.

Have you given all of yourself to Jesus?

This song by Hillsong United and sung by, Kari Jobe seemed to fit with our study today. Enjoy!