Hebrews 9:1-15; Psalm 120

Hebrews 9:1-15
vv. 1-8 review the fact that the earthly Tabernacle and its furnishings were symbols. Their work was never finished, and they could not change the human heart. Only Jesus can do that! vv. 1-10

So Christ has fulfilled the "better system." He has become the High Priest and has entered into that perfect heavenly Tabernacle, which was not made by human hands. He was able to enter the Most Holy Place once and for all time because He sacrificed his own blood (not the blood of goats and calves), and He has secured our redemption forever. v. 12

The old system was one of symbols of cleansing, but the blood of Christ truly cleanses and purifies us from our sinful deeds. We are cleansed by the blood of Jesus and so we can have a relationship with the living God, and we can worship Him and pray to Him without an earthly priest or other mediator. Christ died to set us free from the penalty of our sins, and He is our mediator before the Father. vv. 13-15

Psalm 120
The next 15 Psalms (120-134) are called "Songs of Ascent." They were sung by the Jewish people as they traveled 3 times a year to the Temple in Jerusalem for the various feasts. The theme of these psalms is about trusting God even in times of suffering and trouble. They are timely reminders that God is always with us, His people, no matter what the circumstances.

The first verse of Psalm 120 sets this theme in motion:  "I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer." Like the psalmist, we must take our troubles to the Lord, cry out to Him, and wait for Him to answer our prayers.!