Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Hebrews 7:26 - 28; 8:1 - 2

For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Hebrews 13: 7-16

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.


The end of their conversation: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever. This is what follows from faith.

Sounds easy, but it ain't. Our culture specifically is terribly resistant to stability. We're expected to change, to innovate. If a thing is new, we believe, it is therefore worthwhile. "Diverse and strange doctrines" delight us-- they're different! Unheard-of! Irreverent! Feisty! "The same yesterday, today, and forever," on the other hand, smacks of consistency and stability-- two arch-enemies of an entertainment-driven culture.

But it is not the meats of innovation and change that will sustain us; the only true and sustainable nourishment for our souls is that unchanging, Eternal grace. Our short attention spans, commercial breaks, colors and soundtracks serve only to distract from that continuing city we should seek.

Be consistent. Praise God continually. Offer those same, age-old sacrifices: do good, and maintain communion.