Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

“Now if he were on earth, he would not even be a priest, because there are those who offer the gifts according to the law, who serve a sketch and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned when he was about to complete the tabernacle, for he says, “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern which was shown to you on the mountain.” But now he has attained a more excellent ministry, by as much as he is also mediator of a better covenant which has been enacted upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, occasion would not have been sought for a second.” (Hebrews 8:4-7)

Paul continues his dissertation on the danger of distrusting the revelation that brought us to salvation in the first place and the superiority of Jesus’ position and ministry over Moses and Joshua through chapter four.

In chapters five to seven Paul dives into the priesthood. Jesus is a GREAT high priest that is superior to the high priest (Aaron) and the other priests. Knowing this, we need to operate under Jesus’ ministry. There is a danger in resting on our salvation and not developing. No one wants a baby who is thirty years old. And babies cannot handle the food that an older human being can. We need to advance our trust in Jesus. Moving forward and not neglecting our proper development. There is little point to being under a superior priesthood if we don’t avail ourselves of that system.

Chapter eight is about the service that Jesus performs as our great high priest. The superior position He is in and what He does for us in that position. The better promises that He gives. A better covenant that He opens up to us. The majesty that is His, seated at the right hand of the Throne of Heaven.

Chapter nine focuses on WHERE Jesus operates: the sanctuary in heaven. The tabernacle that was the model for Moses’ tabernacle. Where the ark resides and where Jesus poured His blood on the mercy seat as a sacrifice for us. The only worthy sacrifice that ever was. This is how Jesus became our Mediator. This is how Jesus cut the New Covenant. And this is where the covenant lives. It is this atoning blood Jesus poured out that cleansed us from sin. That defeated sin and made it of none effect in our lives. This is how He FREED us to rest in Him – which is a sinless place. If we would leave sin where Jesus’ blood put it, we’d never have issues with it. That is how thorough Jesus’ sacrifice was.

Summary

Key Players: God, Jesus, Paul

Key Verse(s): Hebrews 4:12-13; 5:1-6; 6:9-15; 7:1-10; 8:1-7; 9:11-15