A New and Living Way

Scripture:

Hebrews 10:20 "By His death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way, through the curtain into the Most Holy Place".

Observation:

The author of Hebrews had been talking about the old sacrificial system in which the blood of animals had to continually be offered to cover the sins of God's people. He began talking about Jesus coming to be the perfect sacrifice that would last forever and end all animal sacrifices. While talking about that, he throws into the text this simple, yet powerful statement, "By His death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way, through the curtain into the Most Holy Place". He was saying that now we have direct access to God and have become priests. Jesus is our way into the presence of God.

Application:

For centuries there was a sacrificial system for God's people. Some animal had to be sacrificed, then once per year the high priest would go into the Most Holy Place to atone for the sins of God's people. The Most Holy Place was where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, which was the place of the presence of God. Today, because of Jesus sacrifice, we have access into the Holy Place ourselves and can go where only one priest could go once per year. We can go as often as we like into the presence of God and have become "portable arks", carrying His presence. We must learn to take advantage of this awesome truth. We have been given the greatest treasure in the world, we must use it and spend as much time as possible in the Most Holy Place.

Prayer:

I am reminded of the song, "Take me into the Holy of Holies. Take me in by the blood of the Lamb." Father I want to walk closer with you. Thank you for allowing us through the curtain and into Your presence. You are truly amazing. Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice that gave me access into the Most Holy Place. You are the best! Teach me to come through the curtain and remain in that place, that You may flow through my life more and more.

Jeff