This morning I attended the Allies Men’s Breakfast. A great personal testimony and report on Royal Family Kids Camp was featured. I had workout with my fitness trainer and continue to work on my recovery. Last night at a candidate forum in Greeley, it was good to connect with several legislators and other elected officials.

 BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “…designate cities to serve as cities of refuge for you, so that a person who kills someone unintentionally may flee there. You will have the cities as a refuge from the avenger, so that the one who kills someone will not die until he stands trial before the assembly. The cities you select will be your six cities of refuge.” Numbers 35:11-13 HCSB

God’s laws not only reflect the holiness of God, but also the justice of God. This is reflected in the case when someone is killed accidentally. While murder was subject to death, we see if someone is killed by accident and a close relative seeks to kill the person who is guilty, that person may run to a “city of refuge.”

These cities of refuge were to be sufficient in number and close enough to afford an opportunity to an offending individual to seek safety before they were found, caught and killed by a close relative of the deceased. The greater the territory the more “cities of refuge.” “If the Lord your God enlarges your territory as He swore to your fathers, and gives you all the land He promised to give them…you are to add three more cities to these three.” (Deu. 19:8,9 HCSB)

In this provision, we see that mercy was to be an expanding provision among God’s people. Just as God’s mercy is without limit, so is the provision for mercy to be among God’s people. This place of refuge, would be the permanent home of the offending individual. If the person left the city of refuge, he was subject to being killed by the “avenger of blood.” That individual would not be held guilty for that offense.

“If the one who kills someone ever goes outside the border of the city of refuge he fled to, and the avenger of blood finds him outside the border of his city of refuge and kills him, the avenger will not be guilty of bloodshed…” (Numbers 35:26-27 HCSB)

The one who seeks protection in a city of refuge is to live there until the death of the anointed High Priest. “Only after the death of the high priest may the one who has killed a person return to the land he possesses.” (Numbers 35:28 HCSB)

This provision has great application to what God has provided for us in Christ. We are not all murders, but our sin places on us a verdict of death. “The wages of sin is death…” (Rom. 6:23) But the Lord has provided mercy for those who are guilty who “run” to Him and find a place of safety. The psalmist declared, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.“  (Psa. 18:2 NIV)

The provision of freedom upon the death of the High Priest is worthy of special note. We see the  Book of Hebrews declares Jesus our “great High Priest.” Through Christ’s death on the cross, we are declared completely free from judgment and condemnation. So, we discover, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.“ (Romans 8:1 ESV)

When we read of the cities of refuge, we are reminded that God is a God of mercy as well as justice. In the provision of a place of safety within the boundaries of the promised land, we find a truth of mercy, refuge and freedom that applies to our life in Christ.

Today was my most open day of the week. It allowed me to get some thing caught in my home office and get ready for a candidate forum this evening in Greeley. I did get to the fitness center for a lighter workout, but it was good to have the exercise.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “You are to hold a sacred assembly on the tenth day of this seventh month and practice self-denial; you must not do any work.” Numbers 29:7 HCSB)

We see as the Children of Israel prepare to enter the promise land that they are reminded of the offerings they are to bring on a daily, weekly, monthly and annual basis. Each year during the “Day of Atonement” it is mentioned specifically that they were to “practice self-denial.” Self-denial does not come easy. That is why is has to be “practiced.”

These instructions find their basis in Leviticus, “Atonement will be made for you on this day to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the Lord. It is a Sabbath of complete rest for you, and you must practice self-denial…” (Lev. 16:30,31 HCSB)

The Day of Atonement was the most important day of the year. This is the one day of the year the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies to offer the sacrifice for the sin of the people. This day is declared a day of “complete rest.” I find an interesting connection between forgiveness of sin and Sabbath and self-denial. Sin is always found when we put our needs and desires first. In like fashion the Sabbath as a “day of rest” means that, “I don’t do what I want to do, but what the Lord instructs me to do.”

Self-denial is the opposite of the instant gratification and a lack of personal discipline that is rampant in our society. While Lent is practiced by more liturgical churches, the concept of “giving something up” for Lent has some Biblical value. It is not related to our salvation, but like fasting, it can arrest our attention to “things above.”

We see self-denial in the life of Jesus. We read, “For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” (Romans 15:3 NLT) Jesus also said, self-denial is part of discipleship, “Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.“ (Luke 9:23 NIV)

In our world of “me first” and “I have the right to do what makes me happy” it is important to understand that self-denial is a spiritual discipline. It is a reminder that we are not the ultimate authority in our own life. It reminds us that we are dependent upon the Lord and we what we do, should be done out of a desire to honor and please Christ more than ourselves.

After some work at home this morning, I attended the Prime-time  lunch at church. I then had a planning meeting for this spring’s National Day of Prayer for Northern Colorado. On my way home I stopped at an open house at Senator Cory Gardner’s office and picked up some information about a conference in Washington D.C. that I may attend this June.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “Balaam….became furious and beat the donkey with his stick. Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and she asked Balaam, “What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?” Balaam answered the donkey, “You made me look like a fool. If I had a sword in my hand, I’d kill you now!”               Numbers 22:27-29 HCSB

A talking donkey is on thing – having a conversation with a donkey is another. Losing an argument with a donkey is over the top. But that is what we see in the story of Balaam. The conversation between Balaam and his donkey ends this way,

“…the donkey said, “Am I not the donkey you’ve ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before?” “No,” he replied. Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the path with a drawn sword in His hand.” (Numbers 22:30-31 HCSB)

Balaam losing an argument with a donkey is not the only strange part of this record. Balaam is a prophet, but not a follower of the Lord. However, when he is approach by the King of Moab to curse God’s people, Balaam says he has to consult with the Lord.

The Lord told Balaam not to go, then He permitted him to go, but told him to only speak the words, the Lord would give him. Then as he is on the road an angel appears in the path. The angel is not seen by Balaam, but is seen by the donkey. The donkey actually spares Balaam’s life. This situation is used to get Balaam’s attention and to ensure that the words he speaks are the words the Lord tells him.

Three different times Balaam is shown God’s people in the valley below. Sacrifices are made, but Balaam speaks words of blessing and not cursing as he was expected to deliver. King Balak sends him away without any payment. In one last oracle Balaam, declares,

“…the oracle of the man whose eyes are opened, the oracle of one who hears the sayings of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty…How beautiful are your tents, Jacob, your dwellings, Israel. They stretch out like river valleys,
like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the Lord has planted, like cedars beside the water.…Those who bless you will be blessed, and those who curse you will be cursed.“ (Numbers 24:4,6,9 HCSB)

These events are unique, and important in Israel’s history. We see God is able to reveal Himself, even to someone who is not fully dedicated to Him. We see God protected His people by turning words, designed to curse into a blessing. We learn that God chooses and uses those He desires, or at least intervenes in behalf of His people.

However, constant vigilance is needed for God’s people. What Balaam did not do through words, he did through actions. He could not curse God’s people with words of prophecy, but he was able to bring a curse on them through deceit and temptation.

“…the people began to have sexual relations with the women of Moab.  The women invited them to the sacrifices for their gods, and the people ate and bowed in worship to their gods.” (Numbers 25:1,2 HCSB)

This vulnerability and temptation to sin became a snare that plagued God’s people until they were conquered by the Babylonians. In the Book of Revelation we read these words addressed to the Church of Pergamum, “You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block in front of the Israelites: to eat meat sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality.” (Revelation 2:14 HCSB)

Paul wrote to the Corinthians about the forgiveness needed for an offending brother and said, “I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”             (2 Corinthians 2:10,11 NIV)

Bottom line. God’s hand can protect us in ways that we are even aware of. Yet, we must be on guard ourselves for the attacks and temptations that come our way. We must do so, following God’s ways and always being alert.

“Be true to your word, Lord. Keep me alive and strong; don’t let me be ashamed because of my hope. Keep me safe and secure, so that I will always respect your laws.” (Psa. 119:116,117 CEV)

Today, we had some electricians come to work on our basement remodel. It is good to see this project beginning to move forward. I was able to get to the fitness center for a workout with my trainer before going to Greeley for a radio interview. I was able to be a guest on a radio program for seniors that airs on Sundays through KFKA in Greeley.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Now the people began complaining openly before the Lord about hardship.” Numbers 11:1 HCSB

The first ten chapters of Numbers read like an extension of Leviticus. They have to do with the organization, structure and additional rules for God’s people. They are now ready for the trip to the promised land. But the journey forward instead of being faced with trust, confidence and expectation, is laced with complaining, doubt, fear and rebellion.

It begins with complaining about God’s provision of manna and the lack of meat. Even Moses is at his “wits end” and doesn’t see how the cravings of the people will be satisfied. In each situation we see God’s response or solution. In this first case what is interesting is that God took care of Moses, before He took care of the people. The Lord sees Moses consternation and has him appoint 70 men on whom God places His Spirit and they begin to prophesy.

Then the Lord brought quail into the land and the people began to kill the birds and eat, but in their gluttonous actions, the Lord strikes them with a plague.

Next we see Mariam and Aaron begin to criticize Moses. Moses had married a Cushite wife, and Moses’ brother and sister didn’t like it and so they attacked Moses authority and leadership, “They said, ‘Does the Lord speak only through Moses? Does He not also speak through us?’”  (Numbers 12:2 HCSB)

The Lord defends Moses and strikes Mariam with leprosy. It seems Aaron escaped the judgment and in fear quickly repented. Mariam is put outside the camp for seven days, while everyone waited for her punishment to end.

We can observe that sometimes those closest to a leader can cause the greatest problems. We also see that when judgment comes, those who are innocent are inconvenienced and bear the consequences as well.

Next we see the spies sent into the promised land. When they return they give a report, but only Caleb and Joshua express faith and confidence in the Lord’s power to deliver. The rest…. “who had gone up with him responded, “We can’t go up against the people because they are stronger than we are!” So they gave a negative report to the Israelites about the land they had scouted…” (Numbers 13:31-32 HCSB)

The people responded in fear and believed the worst, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness!... Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” So they said to one another, “Let’s appoint a leader and go back to Egypt.” (Numbers 14:2-4 HCSB)

The Lord judges those who gave a negative report and strikes them dead. The Lord also decrees that those who said, “we will die in the wilderness” would die in the wilderness and their children would be the ones to enter the promised land.

Finally we see another rebellion against Moses, “Now Korah… took 250 prominent Israelite men who were leaders of the community and representatives in the assembly, and they rebelled against Moses.  They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have gone too far! Everyone in the entire community is holy, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the Lord’s assembly?” (Numbers 16:1-3 HCSB)

Once again Moses faces criticism and rebellion from the leaders of the community. Once again the Lord comes to his defense and in this situation the ground opens up and swallows Korah and those in rebellion against Moses. The people’s response?  “The next day the entire Israelite community complained about Moses and Aaron, saying, “You have killed the Lord’s people!” (Numbers 16:41 HCSB)

The Lord judges the congregation and over 14,000 died in a plague. The plague is stopped when Aaron takes action. “So Aaron took his firepan Moses had ordered, ran into the middle of the assembly, and saw that the plague had begun among the people. After he added incense, he made atonement for the people. He stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was halted.” (Numbers 16:47-48 HCSB)

In all of this the Lord makes provision to help His chosen leader. The Lord used both practical solutions and divine intervention. We also see the Moses, continually called on the Lord for the people in spite of their rebellion and threats. The lack of revenge, demonstrates true character and meekness. We know Moses in the past had demonstrated his temper and outrage, but in these situations, he puts the people first above his own emotions or interest and desire to defend himself.

We see in Moses the attitude the Apostle Paul encouraged followers of Christ to take, “..never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD.“ (Romans 12:19 ESV) That advice is good for us to remember today. It may not happen when we want it to, or how we want it to, but if we walk in forgiveness and trust in the Lord, we are in the best place possible. We also need to see that doubt, complaining and rebellion always put us in a position against the Lord, and it brings harm to our lives.

Today was a fairly full day. After my normal Tuesday prayer/devotional meeting was an annual meeting for Assemblies of God ministers in Northern Colorado. It was good to see many friends and missionaries at the event. Later this afternoon, I had a massage. I’m not sure if it was my schedule or the last two days or the effectiveness of the massage, but I needed a nap when it was over.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron: “The Israelites are to camp under their respective banners beside the flags of their ancestral houses. They are to camp around the tent of meeting at a distance from it….” Numbers 2:1 HCSB

When Paul was writing to the Corinthians about proper worship and the use of spiritual gifts he observed, “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace...all things should be done decently and in order.“ (1 Corinthians 14:33,340 ESV)

We see in scripture that God is a God of order and organization. It is first observed in creation, “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” (Genesis 1:1 ESV) From this void God speaks light into existence, then water appears and the expanse of the heavens and then dry land and vegetation and sea creatures and animals and man. All of them in the proper order.

As God’s people begin their trek through the wilderness to the promised land, God provides them the law, by which the will worship, please and honor Him. He then provides instructions on how they are to travel. How do two million people make an organized trip? It can be a challenge in our day, to coordinate a road trip with two or three cars filled with people!

One of the things a school teacher does with a class on a “field trip” is to count “heads” to make sure he or she knows who is going and makes sure they all make it to the destination. It is interesting that the Book of Numbers begins with Moses, “counting heads.” The Lord tells Moses, “Take a census of the entire Israelite community by their clans and their ancestral houses…” (Numbers 1:2 HCSB) One man from each tribe is selected as the leader for this effort.

We see that after all the instructions are given about the Tabernacle, an order is given of how the tribes of Israel are to camp around the Tabernacle. Three tribes form a division on the east, west, north and south. The tribes closest to the Tabernacle are the Levites, who are in charge of the transporting and protecting the Tabernacle.

They stop and encamp in a specific order and they break camp and journey in a special order. Each tribe has its own banner. The Lord provides guidelines for specific trumpet calls that signal instruction to the people. This includes when to set up camp, when to break camp and begin the journey, and when to prepare for battle.

We can all become frustrated with human organizational rules and structures, whether in society or the church. But the reality is the more people and the greater the task, the more organization is needed to avoid confusion and chaos. This is pleasing to the Lord. We realize that “human” organizations can become rigid and ineffective and it is easy to lose sight that the organization is to serve and not be served; but basic order versus chaos is the difference between God and Satan.

I believe you could make a case that ineffective organization is as much the fault of human depravity and spiritual battles, as much as a state of confusion.

We read in James, “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” (James 3:14-16 ESV)

Satan is a created being, not a creator. As a result, he works against the creative nature of God. Satan, “steals, kills and destroys.” (John 10:10) God builds, Satan tears down. God beings order, Satan brings chaos and confusion. God brings peace, Satan brings conflict. These things may be directly related to the work of spiritual darkness or they may be evidence of sinfulness of people. Either way, they are in contrast to what God desires and should be recognized as such.

We need to remember and recognize God’s order around us in nature and value godly order that promotes efficiency and effectiveness in doing God’s work. We can also seek the Lord to bring order in the midst of chaos, peace where there is conflict and light where there is darkness. It is all part of His divine nature.

Today I ended up spending most of my day in Denver with my mother. I’m glad the traffic allowed me to get to Denver and get home in better time than I would have anticipated. While my time in Denver was longer than anticipated, I was pleased to be able to help my mother get some important personal business taken care of. Part of that included getting her set up on some palliative care services, which will provide some ongoing support.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…   “Endure suffering as discipline….No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:7,11 HCSB

“Suffering” can come from a variety of sources. We often refer to three main areas: the world, the flesh and Satan. There are issues that arise in our life by virtue of the world in which we live. We need to understand that there is a cause and effect relationship to the choices we make in life. Often we can be our “own worst enemy.” Then we realize that we do confront the forces of darkness in our world and those that would come against our lives to discourage and defeat our steadfast devotion to Christ.

Hebrews tell us to view suffering as discipline from the Lord. So, while the Lord is not the cause of our suffering, He is able to use the suffering the comes into our life for our good and His glory. The parent who shields their child from any suffering or hardship is not being a good parent. We learn through the unpleasant circumstances of life that confront us. We read of Jesus, “Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.“ (Heb. 5:8 NLT) If this was true for Jesus, how much more does it apply to our lives?

In the military, those hardships are more planned and designed. But they are done so in a “controlled” environment, so when confronted by the real enemy in a true battle, the equipped soldier is able to respond in a way the saves his life and defeats the enemy.

When we face the “sufferings” of life, we are to look to Jesus for strength and encouragement. “…consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart.” (Heb. 12:3 HCSB) We see that suffering is to be endured. We don’t welcome it, or desire it, but when it comes, we can have confidence that we can overcome it…that we can see it through.

Peace and righteousness are the fruit of the discipline that comes through enduring suffering. There are some qualities of life that we develop as a result of life. I listen to individuals whether candidates for office, or just casual acquaintances who will remark about the “life lessons” they learned through growing up in a family that had to face challenges, hardships and tragedies. Those experiences proved to be character defining opportunities that prepared them for life and leadership.

Sufferings reveal and they refine. They often reveal something to us and reveal something in us, that would not otherwise to understood. They refine our values and our faith and commitments. Sufferings reveal what can be shaken and what is solid in our life. That prepares us for whatever the future may hold. Hebrews warns of God’s future plans….

“…I will shake not only the earth but also heaven. This expression, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what is not shaken might remain.  Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us hold on to grace.” (Heb. 12:26-28 HCSB)

God’s purpose is for us to be strong in Him and in His grace and prepared for Christ’s return. That is why Peter writes, “You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials  so that the genuineness of your faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  (1 Peter 1:6,7 HCSB)

Make it your aim to grow through the discipline that comes from suffering, regardless of the source.

It is Super Bowl Sunday and the Broncos are playing and in the second quarter winning. It looks like we are in for an exciting game, if it continues like it has started. This morning I conducted the chapel services at Morning Star Assisted Living. Then Debbie and I joined Sue and Sam for lunch. After an afternoon nap, I’m ready for the game.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Remember the earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to taunts and afflictions, and at other times you were companions of those who were treated that way.  For you sympathized with the prisoners and accepted with joy the confiscation of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves have a better and enduring possession. So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised.” Hebrews 10:32-36 HCSB

Tribulations can be….trying. What happens when trials and persecution and times of difficulty persist? It is one thing to face those times for a season, but when they seem to become the norm they take on a different meaning. The challenge can also manifest itself when troubles end and the tribulation is forgotten.

During a time of trial, we are “forced” to seek the Lord and depend upon Him. In the “trying of our faith” we are made strong and we see the Lord faithful in our time of need. We have strength to do what we didn’t believe possible.

After a time when those trials comes to an end and we experience “smoother waters” – it is easy to lose our focus on the Lord and the consistency of relying each moment, each day on Him. We can, even without realizing it, reflect an, “I-can-take-from-here” attitude. In these times and in all times we must, “…run with endurance the race that lies before us…” (Heb. 12:1 HCSB)

Endurance, patience, perseverance is needed when the pressure of tribulation ceases and when it persists. When tribulation persists the challenges are great as well. When trials persist relentlessly, it is important to…

1 – Remember initial dedication and persistence. The writer of Hebrews says, “remember…” Remember when you first made a commitment to Christ and your dedication allowed you to endure suffering and to support others who face tribulations.

2 – Remember confidence has reward. The reward comes at the “end.” There is a promise for those who do God’s will and endure until “it is over.” Until that time, the Lord promises His presence and His strength as we continue to trust.

3 – Remember the Lord is coming. “For yet in a very little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he draws back, I have no pleasure in him.” (Heb. 10:37,38 HCSB) The old hymn reminds us, “it will be worth it all when we see Jesus…one smile from His dear face, all sorrow will erase….”

4 – Remember we are in this together. “…encourage each other daily, while it is still called today…” (Heb. 3:13 HCSB) In the past these believers had supported those who were in prison and showed they understood the importance of being together in the sufferings that came through faithfulness to Christ.

5 – Remember those who lived by faith. Faith pleases God. Faith is the foundation to our relationship with the Lord. It is reflected in those throughout time who believed, took God at His word, obeyed, performed exploits and persisted in following the Lord…even when what they believed for did not come to pass in this life. (Heb. 11)

6 – Remember to keep your eyes on Jesus. “…keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.” (Heb. 12:2 HCSB) In tribulation, we are encouraged by those who have suffered, endured and overcome. There is no greater example than Jesus. Coming to earth, enduring temptation in human form, continually seeking the Father, the suffering of crucifixion. Now He intercedes for us. He is not just observing…He is with us in our sufferings.  “In the same way the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings.“ (Rom. 8:26 HCSB)

Tribulations and trials that come to our life challenge us and test us. That challenge exists when those times come to an end and when they seem to continue relentlessly. We find in scripture the encouragement and perspective that is needed to handle all circumstances of life.

This morning, Debbie made some cinnamon rolls to take to some of our neighbors who have helped during the recent snow storm. I did get out this afternoon to the fitness center, before we headed to the Saturday evening service at Timberline. Last night it was good to have Braden Wahr come join us for a visit and meal out. Braden is working for American’s For Prosperity in Washington, D.C. and was a former aide for me at the Capitol.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But Jesus has now obtained a superior ministry, and to that degree He is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been legally enacted on better promises.” Hebrews 8:6 HCSB

[Jesus] “…will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.” Hebrews 9:28 HCSB

When we read the Book of Leviticus with all the requirements of the law and what it takes to please the Lord and obey Him, we are glad to read the Book of Hebrews and the good news of a “better covenant” and a “better promise” and a “better sacrifice that has been provided through Jesus.

Hebrews chapter 8 opens up showing how Christ is the “better priest.” He has a history not tied of Aaron, but an everlasting covenant that finds itself from God. Jesus, like the earthly priests, did not have to offer a sacrifice for Himself, because He was without sin. He did not offer the sacrifice of an animal substitute, He offered the sacrifice of His own blood.

As a result, a Jesus told His disciples in the upper room, He was establishing a “new” covenant. So we read,

“…if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion for a second one. But finding fault with His people, He says: Look, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel…. By saying, a new covenant, He has declared that the first is old. And what is old and aging is about to disappear.”  (Heb. 8:7-8,13 HCSB)

Hebrews chapter 9 opens referring to the law given to Moses with the covenants, and the Tabernacle with the ark and the sacrifices and the all the requirements. It then point out, “This is a symbol for the present time…” (Heb. 9:9 HCSB)  We also read, “…the law has only a shadow of the good things to come, and not the actual form of those realities…” (Heb. 10:1 HCSB)

The writer of Hebrews describes how Jesus did not enter an earthly Tabernacle, or Temple but a heavenly one.  ^“For the Messiah did not enter a sanctuary made with hands (only a model of the true one) but into heaven itself, so that He might now appear in the presence of God for us.” (Heb. 9:24 HCSB)

The results of all this? The “old” covenant provided for a “covering” of sin. The “new” covenant provide a “cancellation” of sin. As a result the scripture is fulfilled that says, “I will never again remember their sins and their lawless acts…” (Heb. 10:17 HCSB) Through Christ is true “justification.” What some one described as a meaning, “just-as-I-had-never-sinned.” It all happened at the cross, when Jesus said, “It is finished!”

“He has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” (Heb. 9:26 HCSB) So, we are assured, “…he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” (Heb. 7:25 ESV)

Because of that we have hope and a future. This hope is that judgment before God is avoided and we can anticipate a future of an eternity in God’s presence. “And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment— so also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.” (Heb. 9:27-28 HCSB)

Those of us who have parents or grandparents that remember the Great Depression, understand from them the “before and after” of hardship to the blessing we enjoy and take for granted today. It is difficult for us who have been blessed to relate to the sufferings of the past. I believe in a spiritual sense that is the challenge when we move from the “old” covenant to the “new.” May we always hold dear and have grateful hearts what Christ has done for us and what He has provided so we can enjoy is so freely!