November 2 – Hebrews 9:11-14. Jesus Makes it Possible.

November 2 – Hebrews 9:11-14. Jesus Makes it Possible.

But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

Under the old covenant, a high priest could enter God’s presence in the Most Holy Place once a year. He was chosen from all the other priests, spent an inordinate amount of time preparing himself for entry and then presented sacrifices to atone for the sin of himself and the people.  Year after year this happened, to ensure the relationship between God and His people.

But that cleansing through the blood sacrifice was never enough – it only cleansed the people outwardly … their hearts were still a mess – especially when you consider how truly far away from the heart of God they were.

I think about my computer keyboard.  I dust if off and rid it of the dirt that is on the surface so that it looks good, but gunk gets under the keys and gums up the workings.  My keyboard ends up with problems and I have to replace it. The surface cleaning didn’t do much good in the long run.  A pretty keyboard that doesn’t work is as useless as a filthy keyboard with the same issues.

We can pretty up our Christianity by attending church, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, giving to the poor when the offering plate goes around, maybe attend a mission trip or two; but as long as our hearts aren’t purified, we really aren’t in a relationship with the living God.

However, knowing Jesus, accepting Him as our Savior, recognizing the great sacrifice that He made for us and living lives that reflect those things does take us deeper into that relationship with God.

He made it possible.  All we have to do is accept that and live like we accept it.