Hebrews 8

Christ Jesus, sitting on the right hand of God, conducting the business of heaven, the tent not made by human hands. (Psalm 104:2). If Jesus’ whole job was on earth, we wouldn’t even need him because there are already priests doing that part. But the service they provide is only a shadow or a copy of all Jesus offers. When God told Moses to build the first place of worship, the tabernacle, He said to follow the exact instructions given.

Why is this promise better? Did God mess up the first time? No! The first covenant was a copy, a foreshadow; the new covenant is the reality. The people didn’t keep the first covenant; the new covenant relies on the faithfulness of Christ, our brother. The first covenant was written in stone; the new covenant is written on our hearts. The first covenant is with Israel; the new covenant is for all. The first covenant found people constantly looking at the law and what they might do wrong; the new covenant is our merciful God, forgiving the sins of His people. Jeremiah 31:31-34

This chapter changes me by starting and ending with the completed work of Christ (Messiah, Jesus). Jesus is sitting at His Father’s right hand, as a victorious Son given the full rights of High Priest and King. It ends with Jesus signing the covenant that He mediated (brought about) on our behalf. God says we won’t need to draw a vague picture, a copy, a shadow to those who would come to God; we can boldly point to Jesus, who since the foundation of time was the author and advocate of the new, better promise. Does Jesus our Messiah, hold forever those He loves? He does.