GIFTS AND SACRIFICES
Thursday – December 28, 2017
God is so very good! This is our home here in Maine after the first two snow storms of the winter season. This will be the first winter in Maine for Patti and I in a very long time. We left Maine in 1976 and although we have been back on occasion in the winter that is different than living here in the winter. Pray that we don’t whine. Well, back to our primary text for our Bible Study in the wonderful Book of Hebrews.
Hebrews 8:1-5 (KJV)
1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
As we study our text we see in verse three that as the priests before Him (before Jesus our High Priest) had gifts and sacrifices to offer to God on behalf of others that our High Priest also had something to offer. In the very next verse the writer points out that if Jesus were on earth He would not be in the priesthood at all since He was not a Levite. Concerning something to offer, you might think that would be in the next verse but we will be well into the next chapter before the writer illuminates that point, suffice to say right now it was a sinless life and His Precious Blood. Jesus is the gift and He is the sacrifice to and for mankind. Now let’s move forward with our text in Hebrews eight.
Hebrews 8:6-8 (KJV)
6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
Our King, Savior, and High Priest has a more excellent ministry than the High Priests (all priests) that have preceded Him. Our text goes on to tell us that Jesus is the mediator of a “better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” Not only is Jesus the go-between (mediator) concerning the New Blood Covenant but He is also the surety of this New Blood Covenant. He is the go-between for God and man, He is the reconciler, He alone reconciled us to God and now in Him we have the ministry of reconciliation. The Old blood Covenant was one of animal sacrifice which covered the sins of the people for one year but did not bring eternal life. I don’t capitalize “blood” in the Old blood Covenant for it is not of the Divine. However, it is important to note that as a practical matter it did get the job done but only because a better Covenant and Sacrifice was coming. This New Blood Covenant promised and restored eternal life; we are living souls once again. It promised total redemption from sin (not a covering, sin was expunged), and it reconciled the willing with God. This is a real jubilee! God is so very good.
When we look at verse eight and the reference to the “house of Israel and with the house of Judah” it would be easy to conclude that God is talking only about Israel as a whole and included a reference to Judah so as to be clear He is talking about the northern and southern kingdoms combined. However, I believe He (God) is talking to Israel and the house of Jesus, Jesus is of the tribe or house of Judah. Let’s remember the blessing Jacob (Israel) spoke over Judah at the end of his life.
Genesis 49:10 (KJV)
10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.
This verse is a Messianic verse speaking of not just the kings of Israel to follow starting with David but The King referring to Jesus. So long as Israel and the split kingdoms existed a person from the line of David was upon the throne. Jesus is from the natural line of David as is supposed. Shiloh (Messiah) is Jesus and He will be the last and eternal King. Notice the last phrase of Genesis 49:10 “and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.” The gathering people is you and me, the Church of Jesus Christ. So, as we have discussed before in the promises made to Abraham, this New Blood Covenant is for the Jew and Gentile alike. Thank you, Jesus.
Until our next publication, I speak blessing into your life right now, receive it in the name of Jesus, confess it, and walk it out with thanksgiving.
Numbers 6:24-26 (GW)
24 The LORD will bless you and watch over you.
25 The LORD will smile on you and be kind to you.
26 The LORD will look on you with favor and give you peace.’
By: Dr. David Wood, Author, Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Voice
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