January 25 - New and Living Way

January 25 – New and Living Way

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith …” (Hebrews 10:19-22a)

I have to tell you. Sometimes reading scripture and having a little bit of information is exciting.

The word ‘new’ in this passage is translated from the Greek word, “prosthatos.”  This is the only time it is used in the New Testament and its meaning is powerful.  In essence, Paul is telling them that the way Jesus opened to God by His blood had never existed before. 

There are actually 57 uses of the word ‘new’ in the New Testament and the largest percentage of them are translated from the Greek word, “kainos” which might mean ‘unknown, strange, having been in existence for a short time; unused.’  Another well-used word is ‘neos’ which might mean ‘being superior to what went before; being young; a novice.” 

But, Paul wanted his readers to understand that Jesus Christ created an entirely new path to the Holy Place – to God with the blood that He shed on the cross.  It had never, ever existed before.

I am old enough to remember the early days of the Interstate system.  It was such an astounding way for us to move across the country quickly, bypassing small towns and allowing travel to happen so much easier.  But it didn’t take long for us to become accustomed to the Interstates and expect them to be there so that we could have an easy life.  Today – just 55 years after Eisenhower signed the Federal Aid Highway Act, we take it for granted.

Do we do the same thing with this incredible gift that Jesus Christ gave to us?  He opened a new and a living way to the Most Holy Place.  It exists within our own hearts.  We don’t have to rely on a human high priest to enter once a year and place petitions before God, we have access to God ourselves.

This new and living way exists within our hearts.  Christ forged the path for us.  We should be thankful that we can come before the Most Holy God on our own with Him as our Great High Priest.