Chapter 8
-The author uses citations from the prophet Jeremiah
(Jeremiah 31:31-34) to explain how the New Covenant is “more excellent” than
the old one set up by God through Moses on Mt. Sinai when the children of
Israel came out of Egypt. Jesus Christ has “obtained” this “ministry” with His
work on the cross, which empowers the effects of the New Covenant involving the
inner working of the Holy Spirit who writes the laws of God on hearts and minds
(Hebrews 8:6,10). This is Christ’s offering on our behalf (Hebrews 8:3). The
former covenant was a copy (example, model, pattern) and a shadow
(foreshadowing) of the heavenly things, and these things teach us who Christ is
and what He was to be about (Hebrews 8:5). This New Covenant makes the first
one obsolete and allows us to “know the Lord,” from the least to the greatest
(Hebrews 8:11, 13). It allows for God to be merciful towards our sins where He
remembers them no more (Hebrews 8:12)! *Application* Moses could talk to God
and be in His presence at the mercy seat, which sat on the Ark of the Covenant
above the commandments and regulations that He had given (Exodus 25:22). This
was the place where His atonement was actualized in the foreshadowing of things
to come in Christ Jesus. Today is Good Friday, and we remember the Lord’s
suffering on our behalf to cleanse us from each sin and set back that keep us separated
from our Heavenly Father. We can now “know” Him intimately and forever because
of the price Jesus paid; therefore, glorify God and give Him everything you’ve
got (1 Corinthians 6:20)! His Kingdom endures forever and He has set us free!
Verse to memorize-
Hebrews 8:6
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