"This is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven." He could sit down in this place of honor because his sacrificial work is done! He never has to die again because He was and is perfect, and His sacrifice satisfied the Father. v. 1
"There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle, the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands." This also shows that Jesus work can't be improved upon. Any tabernacle built by human hands is inherently inferior to that "heavenly Tabernacle." v. 2
In fact, all the Old Testament worship was only a picture or shadow of what was to come--that is, the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is the reality! He has come and is far superior to the old priesthood. He mediates for us before the Father. vv. 3-6
So what was the purpose of the Old Testament law and system of worship? It was given to the children of Israel as a standard or a teacher to help them to recognize their sin and to mature and to be ready for the Messiah. They were like children, and God had to lead them by the hand. Even so, they were not obedient, and God could not bless them. This was to show them that they could not save themselves but needed a Savior, just as we do! This new covenant makes the old one obsolete. It is intended to bring us to maturity as God's people with a relationship with Him and with His Word written on our minds and hearts.
Psalm 119:169-176
We are coming to the end of this, the longest chapter in the Bible. Perhaps we could look at it as a prayer to God to use His Word in these ways:
- Give me a discerning mind.
- Rescue me as You promised.
- Let praise flow from my lips.
- Let me tongue sing about your word.
- Give me a helping hand.
- Let me live so I can praise you.
- May your regulations help me.
- Come and find me when I've wandered.
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