Into the Book
Reach Forward to Excellence
What if you could travel back in time to visit some of history's most iconic figures? Who would you visit? No matter how far back you went, everything would be very different, but also the same in many ways.
In this week's readings from Hebrews, we're transported back on an excellent adventure to the days of Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others — whose faith made an impact on the world. And as we consider these notable historical figures, we're called to embrace excellence as they did.
Excellent Ministry
On Monday (Hebrews 8), we look to Jesus as our high priest, who's seated at God's right hand (Heb. 8:1). He "has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises" (Heb. 8:6). And because the first covenant could not save humanity from their desire for sin, it was made obsolete by a new covenant where God would mercifully forgive our sins (Heb. 8:7-13).
Then on Tuesday (Hebrews 9), we're reminded of the earthly tent where the Israelites worshipped, with its structure and furnishings (Heb. 9:1-5). And when Christ appeared as high priest, he offered his blood (Heb. 9:6-14) — rather than animal's blood — becoming the mediator of that new covenant (Heb. 9:15). Unlike the copy of the tent on earth, he entered heaven itself, with a single sacrifice "offered once to bear the sins of many" (Heb. 9:28).
- What disqualified Jesus from being an earthly high priest, and what does this say about where he ministers today?
- How is the sacrifice that purifies us different from the animal sacrifices under the law?
Excellent Faith
On Wednesday (Hebrews 10), we see how Jesus' blood — offered once — was more effective than that of bulls and goats — shed year after year (Heb. 10:1-18). And with our confidence in his priesthood and blood, "let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith," being excellent to each other in holiness (Heb. 10:22-25). And if you're tempted to give up, don't "throw away your confidence," since it brings such an excellent reward (Heb. 10:35)!
On Thursday (Hebrews 11), we're reminded that "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). And with our faith, we follow in the footsteps of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, the Israelites, Rahab, and countless more who waited on God's promises (Heb. 11:4-40).
- How are you encouraging others to keep the faith today?
- Which historical figure of faith do you connect with the most?
Excellent Endurance
Finally, on Friday (Hebrews 12), we're called to let go of sin and run with endurance by looking to Jesus (Heb. 12:1-2). While discipline may be painful, it's given by our Father out of love to train us (Heb. 12:5-11). Unlike Israel, who trembled with fear when they heard the Lord's voice from the mountain, we – who have come to an even more glorious assembly – must not refuse him (Heb. 12:18-26). So let us endure, and "be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:28-29).
- What do you learn from Esau's example about the things you value most in life?
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