In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. 9 Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. 2 For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place.
Newer is better. I have found that this is not necessarily true when I purchase a product or service and long for the good old days when people stood behind their work. This passage in Hebrews shows us that, in this case, newer is far better because it was with the old that God found fault. The fault was man’s inability to follow the Law. Therefore, God sent Jeremiah to proclaim God’s word, I will make a new covenant”. In the old, the Presence was in the tent. In the new covenant, He will be in our hearts.
The Bible is one story with Jesus as the central character. That is hard to see but he is there. The Old Testament points to a Messiah who will fulfill the old covenant and the New Testament reveals Jesus Christ, the Redeemer. He promised in Matthew 28:20 that he would be with us, Immanuel, until the end of the age. Whether the old or new testament, we know one thing God keeps his promise. He will remember our sin no more and he sent Jesus to the cross to finish the job. He stands behind his work.
Dear Lord, thank you for the finished work that made all things new. May we live in the assurance of the new covenant today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church