Day 347
Scripture
Observation
Although the priestly work of Christ is distinctly different from Old Testament system, There are similarities as well. Every priest must have a place to minister. Aaron's priests ministered on earth; Jesus ministers in heaven (8:1). Every priest must have a life to sacrifice. Aaron's priest offered the blood of animals; Christ offers his own blood (9:12). And only the High Priest can enter behind the veil to make atonement. Aaron performed that function year by year; Christ offers his own flesh as the veil, making atonement once for all time (10:10, 20). Just as his life is infinitely important, so his death is infinitely powerful to supply everything the believer needs.
Application
You can learn much about the size and shape of an object by looking at its silhouette or shadow. But you can learn so much more by fixing your gaze on the object itself, which casts the shadow!
You can learn much about God by reading the Old Testament. But remember the purpose for which it was given: to provide "examples—object lessons to us—to warn us against doing the same things they did" (1 Corinthians 10:11). The tabernacle . . . Mosaic law . . . priesthood . . . sacrifices—all of them were designed by God to be shadows (8:5), divinely-given silhouettes. In the New Testament the One who has cast his shadow across the entire Old Testament steps onto center stage. Now you no longer see mere shapes and contours, but real substance.
Formerly you had descriptions about God, but now you see God himself—and his name is Jesus Christ! Indeed, "the New is in the Old contained; the Old is in the New explained."
Prayer
Thank you, God, for being accessible to us in every climate and under all circumstances when we pray in Jesus' name. You said in your Word that you want all everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. Some places exist in which evil business is conducted not considering what would Jesus do. The deep-rooted environments of these settings grow out of the places, out of the moral character of those who do business there, and out of those who support them. In such places, prayer would not be appropriate. We pray that you make us aware of the fact that prayer is more appropriated in some places than others. We are so grateful that you answer the prayers of the obedient and righteous! We praise and glorify you in our Savior Jesus' name! Amen!
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| Lift up Holy Hands! |
© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020
