Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"
Why is the Book of Hebrews in the New Testament? Does it say anything to us in the year 2009 A.D. that it didn't say to its readers in the first century A.D.? Immediately we are struck with one outstanding fact: nowhere else in the New Testament is Jesus described as being a "high priest" or even a "priest." Only here in Hebrews does Jesus take on this added dimension. It must mean much to us because an entire book is devoted to explaining it. But what does this new identity mean to us?
Jesus is the true Original of which the ancient high priest in Israel was merely a shadow. Hebrews makes clear that the sanctuary in old Israel was only a shadow or kindergarten "sand-box" kind of toy that represented the great original in heaven where Jesus ministers. Closed doors or drawn veils characterized the old earthly sanctuary; there were no "welcome" signs, only those that said sternly, "Keep out!" No one but the high priest himself was ever permitted to step foot inside the Most Holy Apartment that represented the throne of God. Fear and exclusion permeated the atmosphere the closer you came to the sanctuary.
And the same idea dominates the thinking of multitudes today; they are afraid of God, afraid to pray; they think they see the "Keep Out" signs everywhere. They are afraid even to step inside a church; the place smells like an exclusive club. To all, the Book of Hebrews says loudly, the "Welcome" signs are up, the "Keep Out" signs are gone. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16). Walk right in past all the holy angels; they will step back deferentially to make way for you. You are now the elite; they are only "ministering servants" assigned to serve you!
Why do you now have this new prestige that every angel in heaven recognizes? Because you are good? No; the fact is you are a sinner. The reason is that you are now royalty; royal blood flows in your veins because the Son of God "took part of the same" "flesh and blood" that you have so that "in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto [you] His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people" (2:14, 17).
The angels all worship the great High Priest; they don't worship us, but for sure they respect us! What's our job? "Come boldly." Realize who we are! Let this thought lift your mind from preoccupation with the trifles on this earth.
Copyright © 2009 by Robert J. Wieland.
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