Today’s devotion comes from Hebrews 8:1-6.
“1 Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. 4 Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; 5 who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “See,” He says, “that you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.” 6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.” Hebrews 8:1-6.
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Jesus “has obtained a more excellent ministry”. Verse 6.
This more excellent ministry of Jesus is contrasted with the ministry of the Law. The Law could only provide earthly high priests limited to their presence in man-made tabernacles and those therein whom they may serve. The Law could only offer gifts of “a copy and shadow of the heavenly things” which strictly needed to be made according to Law. In summary, the Law could only offer the promise that if the people did everything perfectly according to the Law then they would live. “So you shall keep My statutes and My judgments, by which a man may live if he does them; I am the Lord.” Leviticus 18:5. “For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.” Galatians 3:10.
The more excellent ministry of Jesus is based on Jesus’ location in “His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens”. Verses 1 and 2. “Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25.
The more excellent ministry of Jesus is based on Jesus’ ability to offer heavenly things for His people including but not limited to His sacrifice on the cross which served as propitiation (appeasement) for His people and which resulted in eternal life for His people. Verses 3, 4, and 5. “Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” Hebrews 2:17 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.” John 10:27-28.
The more excellent ministry of Jesus is based on His role as “the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises”. Verse 6. “For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.” Hebrews 9:15
God willing, in our next devotion, we will look at some of the better promises upon which Jesus’ more excellent ministry has been enacted.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 