But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.
Shakespeare’s Macbeth said, “We have scotched the snake, not killed it.” Many scholars now think it is meant to say “scorched”, meaning it is a temporary, not permanent, solution to the strife in Scotland. A permanent solution would have the king securely in power without someone trying to defeat him. That is a tall order where man is concerned but not for Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant sacrifices “scotched” the problem of sin, not killed it. That would require a perfect, spotless Lamb of God. His death defeated the serpent and his attempts to dethrone the King of kings.
Many sacrifices were needed because they kept on sinning. When Jesus went on that cross and shed his blood, sin was not only “scotched”, but killed, once and for all. Then, when he arose on that first Easter morning, death itself was conquered, giving hope for all who believe in Jesus Christ. This word, “hope”, has been very much on my mind as I ponder how people on earth seek temporary solutions to their need for fulfillment in pleasure, money, and power, when the permanent solution presents himself. Kings seek victory in battle but our King has won the war.
Dear Lord, thank you for the victory on the cross and the defeat of sin and death. May all surrender to the King and accept the conditions of surrender, eternal life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church