Read: Hebrews 12:22
“New and improved,” the label claims, and I cringe. It was just fine the way it was. Stop fixing what isn’t broken! It’s hard to keep up with the pace of change, and we’re only in the first part of the 21st century.
The writer of Hebrews addresses the concerns of his fellow Jews, who found it difficult to walk away from the rituals, sacrifices, and laws that tied them to a terrifying God and ruled their lives for generations. They had Moses and the prophets to guide them. Why change what has worked for generations?
Now this writer is telling them that Jesus is the Son of God and salvation is only through Him. Put away your animal sacrifices, your rules and rituals for daily living. Accept Jesus as Lord, love God and others. Become living sacrifices instead, showing hospitality to strangers and giving to the poor.
Startling statements. Many wondered, Could this Jesus really be the Messiah we’ve been waiting for? Can we trust this man’s words to enter a heavenly Jerusalem?
Indeed, yes – for them and for us Gentiles.
What a joyful place is this “heavenly Jerusalem!” Yet, when we attend Sunday service with our minds elsewhere, when we live Monday through Friday spending every moment chasing “to-do” lists, are we not creating a rut that leads away from Jerusalem?
But, oh Lord, changing a way of life that is so deeply ingrained is incredibly difficult. Only through Christ’s Holy Spirit power can we change direction and navigate to the center of our worship, Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father, in Your infinite love, You sent Your Son to redeem us, yet we can be deaf and dumb to Jesus’ words. Lead our hearts to true worship and strengthen our wills to follow His teaching.
