Highlights In Today's Reading:
Jesus has a better Covenant (8:1-6) which is referred to as His New Covenant (8:7-13). The Old Covenant's sanctuary and sacrifice (9:1-10) vs the New Covenant's sanctuary and sacrifice (9:11-10:18). Don't miss vss 9:14-18,28; 10:10,14-18. Christian's walk of faith (10:19-25). Warning: Danger of drawing back (10:26-39).
The Old Testament's God-ordained Aaronic priesthood, animal sacrifices, and Temple ceremonies were all symbolic of and are fulfilled in Christ. 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? (9:13-14). He was the One True Sacrifice and is the One Eternal High Priest.
God required the Israelites to offer sacrifices and offerings for sin. But no sacrifice or offering could truly satisfy God or restore fellowship between God and man because they could not produce complete atonement 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 (Heb. 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 God's plan 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 enjoy His peace which passeth all understanding (Phil. 4:7) regardless of circumstances. We praise the Lord for the privilege to obey 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:
Probably the greatest worshiper in the Old Testament (David) taught us that in Thy presence is fullness of joy (Ps. 16:11). How joyful are you?
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>I will . . . write them in their hearts, in contrast to the Old Covenant which was written in stone; 9:2 candlestick =b> lampstand; 10:33 gazingstock =b> object of public ridicule; 10:36 patience =b> steadfast endurance, trust; 10:39 perdition =b> eternally lost, destroyed, damnation.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Country: Seychelles (79,000) a group of islands in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and India • Major languages: English and French • Religious freedom • 89% Roman Catholic; 8% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Rise early in the morning to lift up your prayers to God and hope in His Word (Ps. 119:147).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:33