Hebrews 9 High Priest Enters the Sanctuary

Hebrews 9 NIV

Church of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
St. Petersburg, Russia

Under the first covenant God directed that a tabernacle be set up. This sanctuary made with human hands was only a copy of the true sanctuary of God. Within this sanctuary was an inner room in which only the high priest could enter. He could not enter this Most Holy Place without blood. With fear and trembling he would enter to offer the blood of animals for the unintentional sins of the people. This imperfect ritual had to be repeated over and over again for imperfect people.

But, when the Christ who is the high priest came he, himself, was the lamb that was sacrificed. The sacrifice did not take place in an earthly tabernacle. He went through the greater and most perfect tabernacle in heaven itself. He entered into the Most Perfect Holy Place willingly shedding his blood and giving his own life for the sins of the people. This most perfect sacrifice in the most perfect place needs no repeating. He died once for the many who would believe.

We live under a new covenant established for us by the great high priest, Jesus the Christ. Through the offering of his blood our sins are forgiven. Thanks be to God we need have no to fear to enter into the heavenly tabernacle which has been opened to us by the blood of the lamb. We have been redeemed by the blood of the lamb; by the blood of the Great High Priest, himself.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Chronicles 1 - Wisdom to Serve

It wasn't too long ago, that I was at a Bible study trying to recall what happened to the Tent of the Meeting that the Israelites had carried around for so many years.  I just could not remember what happened to it once the Israelites went to their apportioned lands.  My memory has never been too good and isn't getting any better as the days pass.  I just keep studying and praying that I will remember at least a good portion of what I read.

Well, here we find the original tabernacle.  Solomon has gone to the Tent of the Meeting at the high place at Gibeon.  He makes offerings to the LORD and God appears to him, asking Solomon what He should give him.  Solomon asks for wisdom and knowledge so that he might lead the numerous people that God has given him.  God grants Solomon's request and commends him for not being selfish.

This is just an outstanding transition from 1 Chronicles to 2 Chronicles.  In the last chapter of 1 Chronicles we have David bequeathing hundreds of thousands of pounds of gold and silver to the building of God's house and in this first chapter of 2 Chronicles, we have his son, Solomon, not requesting riches or anything else for himself.  Solomon asks only to lead God's people with wisdom and knowledge.  God grants this request; and in addition, blesses him with great wealth and honor.

This is really some good stuff for anyone who is struggling with what stewardship actually is.  Good stewards will understand that the gifts given to us, by God, are not to be for our own glory, but are to be used, by us, in service to both God and others (our neighbors). 

Neither, David or Solomon were without fault.  But, within their hearts ws the desire to serve and honor the LORD and God knew that.  He knows what is in each of our hearts.  May He create in each of us the desire to be willing servants and wise stewards of all that He has blessed us with.