Just Plain Better.

We hit Hebrews 9 at roots last night and had a pretty good time talking about the difference between good & better.

The Temple was a good thing. The people met with and related with God in the Temple. The presence of God would reside in the temple. The priests would continually minister in the temple, offering sacrifices, lighting the lampstand, burning incense. One day a year (Yom Kippur, the day of Atonement) the high priest would enter into the Most Holy Place and sprinkle blood on the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant to cover the sins of the people.

There is so much incredible imagery in the Temple, and how they came into the presence of God. Under the Old Covenant, the lampstand was the light of the temple, the Shewbread was the sustenance for the priests, and the incense was the sweet smell before the Most Holy place.

Under the New Covenant we have with God, Jesus calls himself the "light of the world" and the "bread of life". Our prayers are like incense before God as shown in Psalm 141, Revelation 5 & 8.

Most importantly, however, we have become the dwelling place of God. His very presence resides within us!

As we discussed the significance of the Temple, we talked alot about what is better. The writer of Hebrews has been talking about how the priesthood of Christ is better, how the new covenant is better and even in Hebrews 9 how our Sanctuary (temple) is better under Christ.

But what does that mean for me? I can understand that having access to God, and God residing in me is better than my access to God being restricted - But what does that mean? What is the application?

Simply, we have an incredible opportunity - not just to know about God but to experience him individually, passionately, intimately, fearfully, deeply. My access to God is only restricted by my willingness to respond to the great love He is extending to me.

Are you willing to respond? Are you willing to choose the better way? How does responding to God's love look in your life?

courage,
-davey