March 23, 2016
Stories in a Cabin
[Christ]
went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with
human hands. — Hebrews 9:11
Read:
Hebrews 9:11-15
The vintage cabin, expertly constructed from hand-hewn logs,
was worthy of a magazine cover. But the structure itself was only half the
treasure. Inside, family heirlooms clung to the walls, infusing the home with
memories. On the table sat a hand-woven egg basket, an ancient biscuit board,
and an oil lamp. A weathered pork pie hat perched over the front door. “There’s
a story behind everything,” the proud owner said.
When God gave Moses
instructions for constructing the tabernacle, there was a “story” behind
everything (Ex. 25–27). The tabernacle had only one entrance, just as we have
only one way to God (see Acts 4:12). The thick inner curtain separated the
people from the Most Holy Place where God’s presence dwelt: Our sin separates
us from God. Inside the Most Holy Place was the ark of the covenant, which
symbolized God’s presence. The high priest was a forerunner of the greater
Priest to come—Jesus Himself. The blood of the sacrifices foreshadowed Christ’s
perfect sacrifice: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own
blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption” (Heb. 9:12).
All these things told
the story of Christ and the work He would accomplish on our behalf. He did it
so that “those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance” (v.
15). Jesus invites us to be a part of His story.
What items have special meaning for me and why? What stories
do I tell about them? How can they help point people to Jesus?
Jesus took our sin that we might have salvation.
INSIGHT:
In the Old Testament, covenants were binding
agreements between humans or between humans and God. Covenants between God and
man were important markers for the Jewish people. For example, the people of
Israel were brought into a special relationship with God through His covenant
with Abraham (Gen. 17). The tribes of Israel became a people of God in the
covenant reached at Mount Sinai (Ex. 34). David had a special covenant with God
that ensured the throne to David’s offspring (2 Sam. 7). The idea of covenant
would resonate with the Jewish recipients of Hebrews—for Jesus has established
His new covenant with us through His sacrifice. By accepting the gift of this
covenant, we receive eternal life (9:15).
Source: Our Daily Bread 2016
