New Covenant
July 29 – August 4, 2019
Monday, New Covenant
“Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship” (Hebrews 9:1).
I recall many rules growing up in a church in the ‘50’s and ’60’s. There was no speaking or squirming during the worship service. We had to wear our “church-going-to-meeting” clothes even when it was super-hot. It was necessary for us to stand up and sit down at various times as part of our worship. Growing up in a pietistic Lutheran church, there were also personal expectations. One was expected not to drink, smoke, swear, dance, play cards or go to racy movies.
We still have rules today, but they have changed. Talking is permitted in the sanctuary, but no coffee or soda is allowed. Cell phones should be silenced and only used to follow along with the lesson of the day. Worshipers should not run off immediately after the worship service, but should stay for at least one cup of coffee and a donut.
Rules and regulations are necessary. They help us in our lives together. They should, however, never get in the way of the Lord’s primary rule for us. That rule is to, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:35).
Empower us, Lord, to be faithfully obedient to your rule to love. Amen.
Tuesday, New Covenant
“For a tent was constructed … this is called the Holy Place” (Hebrews 9:2).
The design of Israel’s tabernacle (tent of meeting) is thousands of years old. Yet, most Christian churches are constructed with its design. The Holy Place is similar to the sanctuary—traditionally called the nave. The Holy Place was where the people of Israel gathered for prayer. There they offered their sacrifices. It was in the Holy Place that the people came close to God, as individuals and as a community.
It is interesting to note that the Israelites were not instructed to build altars to God in their homes. God’s relationship with God’s people was not based on the “me and God” model of individual spirituality so popular today. Instead, people came to the Holy Place in order to worship as members of God’s people; God’s family.
Following the example of our spiritual ancestors, we also take time to come together and worship as a community of believers. In the sanctuary (nave) we pray, sing our hymns of praise and thanks, and hear God’s Word of love, forgiveness and grace. As members of God’s family, we enter into God’s presence together. We then leave together in order to serve together.
Lord, may you enable us to remember that we are not alone. Not only are you with us, but we are members of your family, too. Amen.
Wednesday, New Covenant
“Behind the second curtain was a tent called the Holy of Holies (Hebrews 9:3).
At the front of most worship spaces is the altar area. In the church where I grew up, this space was separated from the “nave” by steps. The chancel was the name given to the area at the top of the stairs. Further back and usually separated by an altar railing was the altar and the “sanctuary.” Only the pastor was allowed behind the altar rail. Again, this was patterned after the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle and temple of Israel.
God dwelt among God’s people in the Holy of Holies. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies on behalf of the Israelites. Through the sprinkling of sacrificial blood, the high priest would make atonement for the people of Israel. This can be described in many ways. One way is to say that God’s relationship with God’s people was renewed.
We frequently come together as followers of Jesus. The pastor, from the altar, speaks the words, “In the night in which he was betrayed … Take and eat … Take and drink.” We enter the “Holy of Holies,” confessing our sins. We depart having heard the words of absolution and rejoicing in our forgiveness and in our renewed relationship with God. Freed from our guilt and shame we live to love and serve.
We are humbled, Lord, by your willingness to forgive us and renew our relationship with you. Thank you. Amen.
Thursday, New Covenant
“But only the high priest goes … and he but once a year.”
The Holy of Holies was separated from the Holy Place by a thick curtain. There was no doubt this area was “off limits.” The high priest entered the Holy of Holies only once a year on the Day of Atonement. At that time, the High Priest would enter the presence of God on behalf of the people of Israel.
Mathew records when Jesus died that the curtain dividing the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place was torn in two (Matthew 27:51). Matthew wanted to graphically proclaim that divisions between God and humankind had been removed because of Jesus’ life and death. No longer was a high priest needed as an intermediary between God and humankind. No longer was access to God limited to once a year.
The curtain has been torn asunder. There are no longer any barriers between God and humankind. The invitation to everyone is to enter into God’s presence with boldness (Hebrews 10:19). God waits for us to take advantage of the torn curtain and to be embraced by God’s love and grace.
Forgive us, Lord, when we become so caught up in the cares of this world that we neglect to enter into your presence through the torn curtain. Amen.
Friday, New Covenant
“But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come” (Hebrew 9:11).
The boys were excited. Grandpa and Grandma were coming. When they came, they brought good things. They brought toys, clothes, quarters for their piggy banks and tickets to various attractions.
Good things have come to us because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus restored and renewed relationships between God and us, us and ourselves, us and each other and us and creation. We have experienced God’s love, forgiveness and grace in our lives, and we continue to do so. We have new meaning and purpose for our lives. In addition to all of that, we have been freed from the power of sin, death and the power of evil. Good times, which we can call the kingdom of God, has come into our lives and into our world.
Thank you, Lord, for the riches of your grace, which you continuously poor into our lives. Amen.
Saturday, New Covenant
“How much more will the blood of Christ … purify our conscience” (Hebrews 9:14a).
Fred Smith was a herpetologist. He studied reptiles and amphibians. Fred’s specialty was poisonous snakes. Over the thirty years that he had worked with snakes he had been bit several times, even though he had followed safety protocols. His body had built up antigens to the poisons of the snakes so that in some cases, when he was bit, he no longer had to take anti-venom medications. In fact, on a couple of occasions, doctors had used Fred’s blood on people who had been bit by a snake.
Sin carries a bite. It has the ability to bruise, break or destroy relationships with God, others, ourselves and creation. Sin pollutes our consciences with guilt and shame. Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the power of sin has been negated in our lives. God’s love and grace break through to us and we are able to experience a new relationship with God. Love and forgiveness is able to heal our relationship with ourselves and others. Our guilt and shame is washed away. Thanks be to God for the gift of Jesus!
Holy Spirit empower us to turn away from our rebellious, selfish lives and to be your faithful and obedient servants. Amen.
Sunday, New Covenant
“From dead works to worship the living God” (Hebrews 9:14b).
Akihito dreamed of the day when he could sell his tech company for millions of dollars, if not billions. Then he could live a life of affluence and comfort. After his dream came true and Akihito had more money than he knew what to do with, he realized that it didn’t bring him happiness or purpose.
Susan worked long, hard hours in order to eaarn a partnership in the law firm. After several years, the managing partners offered Susan her prize. Susan loved her office, with its thirty story view, but she soon discovered that the position did not bring with it the fulfillment that she sought.
We all seek different goals. We live in a society that keeps trying to convince us that we need just one more thing in order to be happy, secure or at peace. Often we attain our goals or purchase that “one-more-thing” only to be disappointed by what we have achieved. Living in a selfish or self-centered manner is not that for which we were created.
Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we have the opportunity to live beyond ourselves. Living in a relationship with God, we can live as God’s children and God’s servants. The Holy Spirit empowers us to use our unique talents and abilities to share God’s love and grace and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to others. Such lives are purposeful and fulfilling, because God has created us for them.
Lord, use us in ways that bring you honor and glory, and meet the needs of your people. Amen.