Hebrews 8:1-7

Now the 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 heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.  For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus 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 serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.”  But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.  For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.

Once we experience the excellent, the mediocre does not satisfy.  The mediocre only satisfies those who have nothing.  The nation of Israel had a covenant from God that was better than any other nation had ever experienced.  In their minds, it was excellent but that is only because it was the best available at the time.  Jesus offers a covenant far superior to anything that had ever been available.  Those who have Jesus never go back to mediocrity.

JESUS MINISTERS FROM A BETTER PLACE: There is really no comparison between the place of ministry of the high priests in Israel and the Lord Jesus.  The earthly high priest ministered in a tent on earth and then in a temple fashioned by the hands of men.  Jesus ministers “at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven.”  Moses built the tabernacle according to the pattern that was given to him by God.  The priests then offered sacrifices according to the instruction of the Father.  Jesus needs no tabernacle and there is no longer any sacrifice that is needed for the sins of mankind.  Jesus has paid the price for sin and He represents us constantly from the right hand of the Father while seated in the throne room in heaven.

JESUS MEDIATES OVER A BETTER PROMISE: The nation of Israel enjoyed a covenant relationship with God.  It was a promise of a land, a great nation, and most of all the promise that through them the Messiah would be born.  This was the greatest promise that any nation had ever received.  God’s intention in blessing Israel was that all nations would be blessed through them.  As wonderful as this covenant was, it was not without fault.  Mostly because many aspects of the covenants were dependent upon the obedience of that nation.  Jesus mediates over far a far superior covenant that promises eternal forgiveness and freedom from sin.  No part of this covenant is dependent upon us.  We must simply believe and receive the free gift of God in Jesus.  His promise of eternal life in His presence far exceeds the promise of a land and a nation.

APPLICATION: Worship the Lord Jesus Christ who represents us in the presence of the Father in heaven. God to Him in prayer and trust Him to know what is best in the circumstances of our lives.  Live in faith and hope of the wonderful promises that we will be with Him and without sin for eternity.

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