a few thoughts as i read hebrews

background via this

recently, i've been reading through the book of hebrews. i tend to alternate between an old testament book and a new testament book, and after finishing 1 & 2 chronicles, i decided to re-read hebrews. it was like a new testament look into old testament traditions: the tabernacle, sacrifices for sins, 

one thing that stuck out to me what the idea that Jesus is our high priest--he gave up his life, and he gets us. he understands what it's like to want to sin, to do whatever we feel like without concern for how it'd affect others, to want to fly off the handle (4:14-16). he represents me, a helpless sinner, to a holy God so that i could be forgiven. now, repentance isn't a chore, it's a loving response to my best friend and mediator and what he did for me. 

the other thing that stuck out to me was that the old law just wasn't enough--if not for Jesus, we'd still be making sacrifices. instead of a person who had to offer sacrifices for their own sins and for the sins of everyone else, Jesus swooped in. once and for all replaced what was weak and useless (7:18) with an even better, new covenant (7:22, 9:15). 

and, here at the end, i'd like to leave you with a particularly challenging and encouraging passage: 
therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, this body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 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. let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (hebrews 10:19-23)
what have you been reading recently? what are your thoughts on hebrews?

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