March 3rd - Reflection

Hebrews 8:1-7 (NRSV)
Christ, the mediator
Now the main point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary and the true tent that the Lord, and not any mortal, has set up. For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; hence it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. They offer worship in a sanctuary that is a sketch and shadow of the heavenly one; for Moses, when he was about to erect the tent, was warned, "See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain." But Jesus has now obtained a more excellent ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted through better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need to look for a second one.

Reflection
This is that wonderful passage that passes us from earth to heaven. Our earthly tabernacle was only a copy of the true tent of the presence of God in heaven. Jesus entered this true tent into the presence of God to offer himself as the one true sacrifice. So now we have entered into what seems to us, the invisible realm of heaven.

Earthly priests would put on a bit of a show before God in an earthly shrine. But Jesus' ministry was in the realm of heaven. In Jesus ministry heaven and earth collide into one for a while. In Jesus heaven came to earth and we witness heavenly truth and heavenly love, not earthly love.

So with the heavenly offering of Jesus in the very presence of God, this offering was once for all. This offering of Jesus was perfect and complete. No need to make the same offering over and over. Likewise, Jesus stays next to the Father in perfection. Jesus now has a new covenant with us. A perfect covenant in which he is now the perfect mediator for each one who believes in these new promises.

Jesus is the one to whom we are bold enough to pass from earth and into heaven to the throne of grace, before Jesus our perfect sacrifice for our sin. May our worship here on earth pass into this heavenly realm in all glory, honor and praise. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, I love it when you draw me out of my earthly, sinful, selfishness, and pull me into heaven with you. I love it when you teach me and show me a better way. I love it when you instruct me in your heavenly love. I love it when you send me in my earthly domain to spread your heavenly love and to proclaim you as the one true and perfect priest who has offered the one true and perfect sacrifice for all sin of all people. Lord, I love you. --- Amen