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;
2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man...
3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
This week I pondered the term "Mediator of a better covenant". I learned that the Greek term mediator is a third party who stands between two others to bring them together. Through the gospel covenant Jesus Christ brings us and our Heavenly Father together. Through this new gospel covenant Jesus Christ enabled us to become forgiven for our mistakes and sin which keep us from our Father. I am so grateful for the atonement.
I will be merciful to their unrighteousness and their sins and their iniquities I will remember them no more.Hebrews 8:12
This verse is very humbling to me. Oh, I understand that this was written with regards to the Israelite people, who could never accept Christ as the Great High Priest that he was. Or as the son of God, who he was, or the Savior of the world, who he was. They also couldn't accept that he could offer forgiveness and the opportunity of bringing them closer to God. The part that is humbling to me is that even though they crucified him, he still offered redemption, love, and forgiveness. He not only offered that to the Israelite people but to us now, in our day. I am so amazed at his love and patience with me. I cannot comprehend it but am so incredibly grateful that no matter how far we fall down, or fall short, he offers his gift of redemption and reconciliation. As we have faith to accept and trust him, he provides the way back to the presence, peace, and loving arms of our Heavenly Father.
11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;Hebrews 9:11
This scripture reminds us that Christ is the High priest, of good things to come. Elder Holland gave an amazing talk where he taught, "My declaration is that this is precisely what the gospel of Jesus Christ offers us, especially in times of need. There is help. There is happiness. There really is light at the end of the tunnel. It is the Light of the World, the Bright and Morning Star, the ‘light that is endless, that can never be darkened’. To any who may be struggling to see that light and find that hope, I say: Hold on. Keep trying. God loves you. Things will improve. Christ comes to you in His ‘more excellent ministry’ with a future of ‘better promises.’ He is your ‘high priest of good things to come." What a comfort, it is to be reminded in the world of commotion that there is one on whom we can trust, no matter how dark or dreary the day may be their is light at the need of the tunnel because of our Savior Jesus Christ there is a future of better promises.
15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.
19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,Hebrews 9:15-19
A testament like a will, is a written document. and provides the disposition of the testators property. A testators property of gift can only be dispersed upon the testators death.
There is a story of an Australian farmer who ran an ultra marathon, in overalls and boots. No one thought he could do it and tried to talk him out of it. He ran despite their doubts. At te end of the race of 500 miles, Cliff was the winner, by a long ways. No one had done the race this fast before. upon winning the race Cliff was presented with a cash prize, he told them he didn't know there would be a prize and had run for the love of running. Cliff took the money and distributed it to every runner who crossed the finish line. The only way Christ could give his gift was to die first and be resurrected. Jesus did what he did because of his love for us. He distributes his gift to everyone willing to come to him. I stand all amazed at his love, patience, and generosity.
32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;
33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazing stock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.
34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:32-39
This was written to the new converts that were wavering and wondering if they should return to their old Jewish religion, because of the tribulation they were enduring. For me, these verses offer encouragement and a reminder that though we come close to Christ, are converted, make covenants and promises, and are baptized we are not going to be free from trial and tribulation. I love the verse that reminds us during these times to remember what we felt when we knew the gospel was true. We need to hang on to our beliefs, stand firm and be bold when it would be easy to retreat. I love how Paul infuses us with confidence when he reminds us we are not of them that go back. Elder Holland gave a talk at BYU in 2000 Cat Not Away Your confidence. He says. "once there has been genuine illumination, beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don’t give up when the pressure mounts." ..."Don’t give in. Certainly don’t give in to that being who is bent on the destruction of your happiness. He wants everyone to be miserable like unto himself. Face your doubts. Master your fears. “Cast not away therefore your confidence.” Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you."
Near the end of Hebrews.Chapter 11 the entire chapter. In this chapter we are taught what faith looks like. I love how Paul uses the images of Noah doing something that no one had even considered would happen and ended up saving his entire family, because of faith. Another great example is Abraham, who was willing to bind his only son and lay hi on the alter having complete faith that God would provide. I am grateful that we have these scriptures to remind us especially in time when it is a challenge to exhibit faith that we can have confidence through these examples that we do not need to retreat but we can go boldly forward in confidence knowing God will help us complete the things he asks of us.
