Category: Redemption

Symbols of Faith – Mercy Seat (7 of 8)

Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.

These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.

#7 Ark of Covenant & Mercy Seat (Prt 2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Open your heart, rely fully on God for the cleansing of sin. (Heb 9:4–11).

On top of the Ark of the Covenant was a lid called the Mercy Seat. It was made of solid gold. Two golden cherubim were attached to each end, facing each other with their wings stretched out to touch one another. This was the most sacred object in the tabernacle. This lid lay between the Law of God (stone tablets in the Ark) and God himself (Exo 25:10-22).

God met with Moses (later with the high priest) and spoke from the midst of the two cherubim. Annually (Day of Atonement) the high priest would sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat from the sacrifices made for sin. It symbolized the sins of man as absolved. Just so, the blood of Jesus has cleansed us from all sin (Rom 3:25; 1Jhn 2:2).

Lord, thank you for cleansing away all my sin. “Your mercy endures forever” (Psalm 136).

Symbols of Faith – The Veil (Prt2) (6 of 8)

Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.

These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.

#6 THE VEIL (Prt 2)

Veil Before the Holy of Holies

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Understand the cost of our redemption (Heb 9:3). #JesusDiedForOurSin #JesusIsTheDoorToLife

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The curtain (veil) between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (the Holy Holies) blocked access to God to all but the high priest. For the high priest access was limited to once a year, on the Day of Atonement. When Christ died on the cross this curtain was rent (torn) in two, representing the body of Christ, torn and crucified (Heb 10:19–22; Mat 27:51).

The wall of separation between God and man was torn down. Access through Christ, our High Priest, to a holy God was opened (6:18–20). We may now ourselves come confidently into God‘s presence at any time (4:16). Lord, I am grateful for the price you paid for my access to God; your torn and crucified body.

Symbols of Faith – The Veil (6 of 8)

Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.

These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.

#6 THE VEIL (Prt 1)

Three Veils, Three Doorways
Into God’s Presence

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Understand, appreciate what Jesus has done to open the door to a relationship with God (Heb 9:3). #WayTruthLife #JesusIsTheDoorToLife

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Three curtains (veils) are represented in the Tabernacle. Taken together, they all represent separation between God and man. There was only one entrance (gate or door) through each veil.

There was one door from outside the Tabernacle into the “Outer Court,” another from the Outer Court into the “Holy Place“ and a third from the Holy Place into the “Holy Holies.“ These doors represent Jesus who is the door to Salvation, the way of salvation (John 10: 7–11). Jesus has opened the way to intimate fellowship with God.

Lord, thank you for the sacrifice you made that I might experience a face to face relationship with Jehovah God.

Symbols of Faith – Altar of Incense (5 of 8)

Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.

These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.

#5 Golden Altar of Incense

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Rest secure in Christ for your acceptance before a holy God (Heb 9:3,4). #ChristOurEternalIntercessor #JesusEverLivesToInterceedForUs #AcceptedInTheBeloved

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Golden Altar of Incense, altar of prayer, was located just outside the veil shielding the Holy of Holies.* Annually (on The Day of Atonement) the high priest, as mediator between God and the people, would stop at this altar and offer prayers. He sprinkled the Altar with the blood of sacrifices made for sin and confessed his sin, which made him acceptable to come into the presence of God in the Holy of Holies. Then he confessed the sins of the people.

The Altar was made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold symbolizing the humanity and divinity of Christ, our eternal intercessor (Heb 7:25; Jhn 17:17-20), [Jesus lives forever to intercede with God on [our] behalf].

Special incense was burned twice a day on this Altar. The aroma filled the room. The smoke of the incense rising was symbolic of prayers offered up to God. They were a sweet aroma to him (also note Rev 5:8; 8:3,4).

All of this symbolizes the blood sacrifice of Jesus offered up for our sin once for all time. As our mediator (1Ti 2:5), he prays for us. Further, he makes it acceptable to God for believers to enter into God’s presence and offer our own prayers and intercessions directly to him (Heb 4:16).

Lord, may I rest in the acceptable sacrifice you made for the forgiveness of my sin; for making my prayers in your name acceptable to God.

* There are questions about the translation here. The instructions of Exodus 30:6 and tradition locates the altar “before“ the veil shielding the Holy of Holies.

Symbols of Faith – Table of Shewbread (Prt 2) (4 of 8)

Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament no Jo system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.

These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.

#4 TABLE OF SHEWBREAD (Prt 2)

This Tabernacle furnishing may be the most intimate picture of God’s relationship to and concern with man, next to the Mercy Seat.

Table of Showbread & Bread of Presence

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Feed daily on the Bread of Life – Jesus (Heb 9:1,2). #JesusIsTheBreadOfLife

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Table of Shewbread (in the Holy Place) was constructed of acacia wood and overlaid in gold (Exo 25:23–30; 40:22,23). The humanity of Jesus is pictured here buy the wood; His divinity pictured by the gold. Jesus is the god-man,. The bread, symbolizes God‘s presence and provision in my life. It reflects my life in Christ. I am sustained eternally by the life of Christ in me.

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life…I am the living bread come down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever” (Jhn 6:47-51). Just as the priests were invited to eat the Shewbread, so also I am invited to eat of the Bread of Heaven. Lord, I have tasted this bread of life and have entered into the sanctuaries of heaven in Christ.

Symbols of Faith – Table Of Shewbread (4 of 8)

Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.

These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.

#4 TABLE OF SHEWBREAD (Prt 1)

This Tabernacle furnishing may be the most intimate picture of God’s relationship to and concern with man, next to the Mercy Seat.

Table of Showbread & Bread of Presence

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Come to God’s table of fellowship; eat of the Bread of Heaven (Heb 9:1,2). #KnowGodsPresence #KnowGodsProvision

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The “Table of Shewbread“ stood in the Holy Place, opposite the Lampstand. Exodus 25:30 calls the showbread the “Bread of Presence” [the literal meaning is “face bread”]. The loaves’ shape (high sides, hollowed out in the middle) appeared to have many sides (or faces). It was a symbol of God’s presence.

Twelve loaves were prepared every week (never ending supply). The bread lay upon the table in two piles of six loaves in each. Taken together they symbolize the food that comes from God; his never ending provision for the twelve tribes of Israel as they journeyed in the wilderness. The priests ate of the bread in never ending supply. It further represents spiritual food derived from God’s Word.

Father, I recognize the intimacy of my relationship with you, symbolically, as I come to your table to eat. I receive a never ending supply of spiritual food from you in your Word.

Symbols of Faith – Brazen Laver (2 of 8)

Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.

These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.

#2 THE BRONZE LAVER

Also Called “The Brszen Sea”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Express profound thankfulness to Jesus; he is our cleansing from sin (Heb 9:9-15). #JesusIsOurCleansingFromSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the outer room of the Jewish tabernacle stood a Brazen (bronze) Basin filled with water. It was positioned between the Brazen Altar of sacrifice and the Holy of Holies. Here the high priest, having made sacrifice for sin, would wash, cleanse himself symbolically of all impurity. It consecrated him for service before God.

The high priest was now prepared to enter into the Holy of Holies. There he would represent the people before God. Jesus, having accomplished purification (cleansing) of sin (Not his – he sinned not, but for man’s sin), he entered into the Most Holy Place in the heavens as our High Priest. There he forever secured our forgiveness and redemption. (Rom 3:23-26; Heb 2:17,18)

Father, how profoundly thankful I am for Jesus, who is my forgiveness for and cleansing from all sin.

Symbols of Faith – Brazen Altar (1 of 8)

Eternal redemption for man was foreshadowed, pictured, in the Old Testament system of worship and furnishings placed in the Jewish tabernacle built by Moses. In the tabernacle there stood artifacts (furnishings). These furnishings were utilized and maintained by the high priest. All of these foreshadowed (symbolized) the coming eternal redemption of man, ushered in by Jesus Christ. He has become the high priest of our faith, of that better covenant named in Hebrews 7:12; 8:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-34.

These journal notes in no way exhaust the depth of meaning found in the Tabernacle. The writer of Hebrews does not even go into the depth of the possible meaning of all these things. My heart here is to uncover as much as possible in a few words, as might stimulate further inquiry and greater depth of faith.

#1 THE BRAZEN ALTAR

The Brazen (bronze) Altar

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Express profound gratitude to Jesus for the sacrifice he made for our sin (Heb 9:1–5,14,15). #JesusIsOurSacraficeForSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This passage explains in part the arrangement of the Jewish tabernacle rooms and furniture. In the outer room stood the bronze altar of sacrifice (Exo 27:1-8). Bronze is a symbol of sin. The altar was where only perfect animals were sacrificed for sin. A fire burned perpetually in the altar. It represented God’s judgment of sin.

The slain animals (a substitute for man) were consumed by fire as an atonement for sin – satisfying God’s judgment. Jesus was our perfect sacrifice for sin. He died on a cross (his Bronze Altar) in our place to satisfy God’s judgment against sin (Rom 3:25; 1Pe 2:24; 1Jh 2:1,2). Father, I am profoundly grateful for the sacrifice Jesus made for my sin – that I might be reconciled to you.

Change For Good

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Remain open to the inward change Christ brings (Heb 8:8–12). #GoodChange #ChangeForGood

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer of Hebrews has carefully explained how Christ is superior to angels, to Moses (the greatest prophet) and to the entire Jewish temple priesthood (Chs 1-7). All this necessarily means that the old covenant (system of laws and sacrifices) must give way to the new and superior covenant (where mercy and grace prevail). The prophet Jeremiah predicted this and our writer quotes the entire passage to make the point (Jer 31:31-34).

These Hebrew Christians, and we today, needed to understand that Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross changed everything about the Jewish system of laws and rules. God would seek to change all men’s hearts and not just their behavior. Men would follow God out of love and not out of fear. This is not a matter of denying the old, but of explaining it with a new understanding. That is what the Tabernacle symbolism is all about.

Lord, what this old sentry wants is to understand what is mine in Christ and continue growing in that grace.

A New & Better Way

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May we be deeply moved by the person of Christ (Heb 8:1-6).#ANewAndBetterWay

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The Old Covenant was implicit – it implied a once for all sacrifice to come, an eternal and perfect priesthood to come, unlimited access to God to come, and eternal forgiveness to come. In Christ came the New Covenant – his sacrifice for sin, his priestly ministry as perpetual and eternal, his forgiveness and cleansing from sin.

Jesus Christ made explicit what the old system of ceremonial laws, sacrifices and priestly service only foreshadowed implicitly. Jesus fulfilled the Old Covenant, replacing it with a New and better Covenant. Lord, this old sentry is renewed and left deeply affected with awe and reverence for what Christ has accomplished.

“That All There Is?”

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

May we grasp the realities of symbols pointing to heavenly promises (Heb 8:1-6). #IsThatAllThereIs #ThereIsMore #BeyondTheVeil

God told Moses, “Build it according to the pattern I gave you.”

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Men contemplate, “Is there something more, something beyond our physical sight?” This world is so temporary. Things change. Nothing remains the same. Thoughtful men ask, “Is this all there is?“ That is what the writer of Hebrews is getting at. There is more!

There is a spiritual, perfect and perpetual reality beyond this world. It is pictured in the Old Covenant. It is pictured in the tabernacle of Moses (and later the temple built by David). These were intended as a pattern, a shadow of heavenly reality where Christ ministers as man’s mediator, in the true place of worship. It is not a place built by frail temporal human hands.

Lord, this aging sentry can see/understand the living permanent reality of a perpetual priest serving in a final and perpetual reality, beyond the veil of my vision.

Guaranteed Secure

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Rest securely in Jesus for your eternal salvation, nor take it for granted (Heb 7:23–28) #JesusSecuresOurEternalDestiny #JesusOurGuarantee #SecureInJesus

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jesus, our perpetual High Priest, guarantees our eternal salvation. He saves “continually“ and unto the “uttermost“ those who have believed on him (vv24,25).

There has not been a high priest in Judaism since the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in ‘69–‘70 AD. But the believer is and has never been (will never be) without a high priest.

Jesus is in heaven, in the Holy place making intercession for every believer always and forever (Phi 2:9–11; Heb 4:14; 10:12). He was the sinless, righteous sacrifice made once for all time for all men (vv26,27). Lord, my eternal destiny is secure in the capable hands of my High Priest, Jesus. I do not take for granted the price he paid for that.

Open Door of Hope

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Grasp and hold on to the hope you have in Christ (Heb 7:18–22). #PeaceWithGod #JesusABetterWay #LawVsGrace #OpenDoorToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The law of (the system of, demands of) righteousness was set aside to find its perfection, it’s realization, in Jesus Christ…in Grace. The law gave no one any hope of communion with God. God can no more be a friend to me through the law than a punitive justice system can reach out to an inmate and give redemptive healing to a broken life.

Jesus introduces a better hope. He brings hope and the open door through which I may enter into a redemptive relationship with God (v19). This is the great hope of the Christian faith. Lord, my hope (the hope of my beloved nation) in this life, and the life to come, is in Jesus – he is the promise; the peace, forgiveness, joy and redemption of God.

One Great Hope

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Find your hope in the perfect sufficiency of Christ as redeemer (Heb 7:15-17) #JesusPriestForever

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jesus Christ is here declared a “priest forever” of a different kind (revealed by the likeness of Melchizedek in Gen 14:17-20 and Heb 6:19,20). How is Christ different?

1) Christ is from a different tribe – the tribe of Judah unlike those of the tribe of Levi (v14).

2) Christ is a priest forever, whereas the old system of priests required new priests to replace those who died (vv3,18,23-25).

3) Christ is holy and blameless, unstained by sin (v26), unlike other High Priests who needed cleansing from sin (vv27,28).

4) Christ’s authority is established by an oath given by God (vv20,21). Jesus Christ is a High Priest forever (Psm 110:4).

Lord my one great hope is in your perfect sufficiency as mediator between God and man.

New Day Dawning

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Embrace the far better hope established in Christ Jesus (Heb 7:11- 20). #JesusOurEternalHighPriest #LawOfWorksOut #LawOfGraceIn

The Dawn of Grace

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In this passage, the writer makes it clear that the Law and the priesthood of the Law were never intended as a way of works to achieve right standing with God. These were always intended as a foreshadowing of a better hope (vv18,19; Gal 3:23-26).

The priesthood is shown as temporal and replaced by a perpetual, eternal, Priesthood (Christ Jesus). So also the Law was imperfect as to the redemption of man. It was intended as an outward expression of the inner change required for redemption. A new law of Grace was put in the place of the demands of righteousness (Jhn 1:17; Rom 3:21,22; 6:14).

Lord, I see here the sun setting on the Law of righteous demands and the dawn risen on the law of Grace.

Qualified Mediator

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Humble yourself before Christ as your redeemer/priest & king eternal (Heb 7:4–10). #ChristOurMediator #ChristOurHighPriest

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer here continues his comparison of Melchizedek to Jesus as an Old Testament type of Christ. His readers must understand this. Melchizedek was not of the tribe of Levi. There was not as yet a Levite born. Levi was still a seed in Abraham’s loins. One could say that when Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek (a right of the Jewish priestly class, by the Law of Moses), Levi himself was giving a tithe.

When Abraham received a blessing from Melchizedek, Levi was also, in essence, receiving that blessing. The writer concludes, the lesser one gives to and receives from the greater one. Melchizedek points to the coming Christ who qualifies as our Redeemer, Priest & King. Lord, I humble myself before Christ as my mediator/priest and king eternal.

See “Jesus Sinless Mediator” on this blog.

Jesus Sinless Mediator

Anchor Man

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Hope in Jesus who anchors your soul in the bedrock promises of God (Heb 6:19,20). #JesusIsTheAnchorOfMySoul #MyAnchorHolds

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jesus is the anchor of my soul. The anchor may be one of the most iconic symbols of early Christianity (next to the cross). My soul is the ship sailing on the seas of life. Jesus anchors my soul to the bedrock of God’s promises. My hope, my faith, is the chain that secures my soul to the Anchor.

Our Anchor Holds Within The Veil

The anchor, cast into the sea is unseen beneath the water. Jesus, my Anchor, has been cast upwards behind the veil into the Holy of Holies (Heb 1:3; 4:14). There he secures for me the promises of God.* I am there, hid with Christ in God (Col 3:1-4) and forever inextricably secured by him. Jesus is my Anchor, man.

Lord, my hope is built on nothing less then Christ who is my eternal anchor.*

_______

* Hymn: My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less [than Jesus] (especially verses two and three)

V2 When darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale,my anchor holds within the veil.

V3 His oath, his covenant, his blood, support me in the whelming flood; when all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay.

Inextricably Secure

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION

Embrace Christ as your trusted redeemer (Heb 6:19,20). #TrustedRedeemer #AnchorOfTheSoul #JesusIsOurTrustedAnchor #JesusIsOurRefuge

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Three beautiful images of Christ close this section of Hebrews. Jesus is the REFUGE to whom we have fled for protection. With confidence we hold to him in the hope of things to come.

Jesus is an ANCHOR to our soul. He has been cast on the mercy seat of God behind the veil, in the Holy of Holies. There he holds fast to the promises of God on our behalf – we are inseparably tethered to him in those promises.

Jesus is a FORERUNNER, our advance guard. He has gone before us clearing the way for our entrance into the promised Hope of God. Lord, there could be no more clear descriptions of my inextricably secure place in Christ.

Jesus Sinless Mediator

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Rest securely in Jesus, our sinless representative/advocate with God (Heb 5:1-10). #JesusSinlessAdvocate #JesusSinlessPriest #JesusSinlessMediator

High Priest: Represent Men to God; God to Men

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jesus, unlike the high priests of his day – chosen by Roman authorities, qualifies as our High Priest. 1) He was called and chosen of God. Like Aaron in the Old Testament, Jesus was chosen, called by God to be our High Priest (note these references: Heb 1:5; Psm 110:4; Jhn 1:29-34).

2) It is further essential that the High Priest be able to deal compassionately with broken humanity. He must be subject to the life, challenges and sufferings of men, yet without sin.

3) Finally, he would be a man motivated and compelled by God to serve others, pray earnestly for others and sacrifice his life for others.

Jesus qualifies as the sinless High Priest of our faith. Lord, I may rest securely in you as the fulfillment of the role of High Priest, eternally advocating for me.

See also on this blog The Greatest Hope (link here).

The Greatest Hope

Favor With God

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Come confidently into God’s presence to receive his mercy & grace (Heb 4:16). #FindingFavorWithGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The word of God exposes me for who I am (vv12,13). I am left without any excuses and guilty before an eternal judge, Jesus Christ. But this judge has already paid the penalty for my sin and guilt (vv14,15). He is my judge and my pardon.

Then, this judge does the unthinkable. He invites me into his chambers. He says, “You may come into my chambers anytime for help. You will always be welcome.” I may confidently come before God‘s throne of grace, beleaguered as I may be, and find grace and mercy in my time of greatest need. He understands who I am and what exactly is my need.

When this sentry loses his way, confounded by his own circumstances, God’s mercy and grace will be given to him in just the right measure, at just the right time.

__________

Read Heb 4:16 again (Amp Version). Pause and reflect between each phrase.

“Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor]

– PAUSE –

with confidence and without fear,

– PAUSE –

so that we may receive mercy [for our failures]

– PAUSE –

and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”

-PAUSE-

Consider this blog post, Jesus: Savior-Brother. Link below.

https://theprayersentry.com/2023/01/28/jesus-savior-brother/

Comprehending The Incomprehensible

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Be open to God’s incomprehensible love & grace (Heb 4:14-16). #NoLoveLikeGod’sLove #IncomprehensibleLoveMadeBelievableInChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God has made his incomprehensible love believable to us by the life and work of Jesus Christ.

1) The word of God convicts of sin (4:12).

2) The Living Word, Jesus, is the one to whom every man will give an account (4:13).

3) Jesus also understands man’s every weakness and frailty – he himself has lived as a man and faced every life challenge just as we have, but without sin (4:14,15).

4) Jesus extends mercy and grace to all men that they might know redemption (4:16).

Some have believed God knows our needs but does not care. Others have believed God neither knows nor cares. Neither is true. Jesus is God in the flesh. He lived and walked among us. He has made God’s incomprehensible love believable. As such, he has pierced the veil between God and man so that man might know that God is for us. (Psm 56:9; 118:6; Rom 8:31).

Lord, This old sentry is overwhelmed by your incomprehensible love and grace.

No “No Fault” Policy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Understand your accountability before God (Heb 4:13). #NotMyFaultNoExcuse #AccountableToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What is made clear to man in the Word of God (that which both comforts and convicts from the pages of Scripture – Heb 4:12), is also manifest in him to whom all men are accountable (that is, Jesus Christ who is both Savior and Judge). Nothing in our lives is hidden from him. Before Christ every man’s shame, guilt and sin is and will be exposed.

The only saving grace for me is my response of Faith to the Good News of Salvation. Did I neglect or reject God‘s message of Salvation? Here’s the question. “How shall we escape [judgment] if we neglect so great a salvation” (Heb 2:3).

Lord, I understand there is no hiding my sin and corruption from you. “Not my fault,” is no excuse. Only my faith, repentance and confession of sin is what gives me full access to Salvation and Kingdom life.

The Book of Books

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

May we be open to the searching examination of God’s Word in our lives (Heb 4:12). #GodsWordIsASword #GodsWordIsAliveAndPowerful

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is nowhere found in Scripture a more majestic or definitive description or characterization of the Word of God than Hebrews 4:12. Here is what it says…

God‘s word is alive, pulsating with life.

It is powerful, energizing the very being in the life of men.

It cuts through every façade and pierces through every defense of self-righteousness.

It sifts through and exposes every thought and intention of man.

God’s word is like a mirror (Jas 1:22-24). It reveals who we really are at the core of our being.

Lord, thank you for how your Word spoke to this aged sentry on Dec 28, 1968 -Powerful- Changed my life. Your Word is the Book of all books. It changed my life.

May we have a fresh vision of the exalted role of your Word in the heart of America.

May we have a clear understanding of the role of God’s Word in our national life and leadership.

End Work(s) Zone

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

May you believe for the “rest of God;” the assurance of acceptance with him (Heb 4:6-11). #TheRestOfGod #EndWorksZone

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Are you confused about how you may enter into the “rest of God” defined by some ancients going forward into a veritable land of promise? It is a comparison that reveals the consequence of disbelief and not entering into that promised “rest“ – Caution: Wilderness Journey Ahead.

There is another “rest“ for another time. That time is now. Today. The psalmist pointed to a coming “rest“ (Psm 95:7,8). It is the “rest“ of salvation. Believing is still the criteria for this “rest” today. My works will not save or sustain me. Only my resting and abiding in the grace of God. I simply trust fully in God (Eph 2:8,9) – End of Works Zone.

Lord, I am relieved of the uncertainty of trusting my own works for salvation.