Bible Pathway - Dec. 14, 2011

Highlights:

Jesus is seated with highest honor — at the right hand of God (Heb. 8:1-2). Jesus Christ is the Mediator of a better Covenant, which was established upon better promises (8:6). For this is the Covenant that I will make . . . I will put My Laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts (8:10). The just shall live by faith (10:38).

The Old Testament's God-ordained Aaronic priesthood, animal sacrifices, and Temple ceremonies were all symbolic of Christ and were fulfilled in Him. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the Living God (Heb. 9:13-14)? He was the One True Sacrifice and is the One Eternal High Priest.

God required the Old Testament Israelites to make sacrifices and offerings for sin. But no sacrifice or offering could truly satisfy God or restore fellowship between God and man because they were only temporary coverings for sin. These sacrifices and offerings were only symbolic of Christ who was to come. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the Book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will, O God. Above when He said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin Thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the Law; Then said He, Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second (10:7-9).

Christ's words, Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God, expressed His willingness to do everything necessary to carry out the plan of God to redeem lost mankind. For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. . . . This is the Covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put My Laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them (10:14,16).

When we are living to please our Lord, we will enjoy the peace of God, which passeth all understanding (Phil. 4:7) — regardless of circumstances. We praise the Lord for the privilege of obeying Him with all our hearts!

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Heb. 10:23-25).

Thought for Today:

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (II Tim. 2:1).

Cross References:

For Heb. 8:5: See Ex. 25:40. Heb. 8:8-12: See Jer. 31:31-34. Heb. 9:20-21: See Ex. 24:8. Heb. 10:5-7: See Ps. 40:6-8. Heb. 10:12-13: See Ps. 110:1. Heb. 10:16-17: See Jer. 31:33-34. Heb. 10:30: See Deut. 32:35-36. Heb. 10:37-38: See Hab. 2:3-4.

Word Studies:

8:10 New Covenant, I will . . . write them in their hearts, in contrast to the Old Covenant — written in stone; 9:2 candlestick, lampstand; 10:33 gazingstock, object of public ridicule; 10:36 patience, steadfast endurance, trust; 10:39 perdition, state of being eternally lost.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Shirley Grimm • Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Official: Rep. Sandy Adams (FL) and Rep. Nan Hayworth (NY) • Country: Jamaica (3 million) in the West Indies • Major languages: English and Creole • Religious freedom • 78% Protestant; 10% Roman Catholic; 7% Afro-American spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice over and pray for those who share the Good News (Nah. 1:15).

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Corinthians 13:2