Hebrews 9:1-3, 6-7, 10:19-25
1Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. 2 A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand and the table with its consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, 6 When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7 But only the high priest entered the inner room,
1Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. 2 A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand and the table with its consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, 6 When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7 But only the high priest entered the inner room,
and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold
unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day
approaching.
Reflection
Yesterday we talked about Moses, the Israelites, and the golden calf. From Moses’ time until the time of Jesus there were rules and rituals around being in the presence of God. Only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place. But when Jesus cries, ”It is finished,” from the cross instantly the temple curtain is torn. Because of the work of God in Jesus Christ, we have access to the Most Holy Place, the very presence of God. This is why our worship needs to be all about Jesus because it is Jesus that opened the way for us to worship in the very presence of God. When we make worship all about us and what we want, we ignore and betray the price that God paid in giving His only Son so that we may enter into His presence. In what ways do we make worship all about us and not about Jesus?
