Jesus Has Ministered A New Kingdom for Us
8:1 Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. 4 Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. 5 They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” 6 But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.
You ever play shadow tag as a kid? Maybe you still play shadow tag or you do that classic move where you punch somebody in the face but not really because you’re both looking at your shadows? I know I’m not the only guy in his late forties that acts like he’s 9.
There are two things that are not inside the tabernacle in the wilderness. Their absence isn’t mentioned, but we know they aren’t there because we know everything else that is in there.
One of the things is a chair. Sitting down was what you did when you rested and you were done with your work. In the Temple of the Living God, you were always serving Him. He was the one seated between the cherubim. You were there in His service.
I don’t think it would be good for you, as a High Priest, to sit down.
But here is Jesus, seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven. He’s done with His work. He’s a priest that has offered all that He needs to offer. His service is completed.
The other thing that is not in the tabernacle? Natural light. The whole place is closed up with layer upon layer of walls and animal skins. The only light in there is from oil lamps that are kept burning continually. Considering that the whole inside is plated with gold and that the Tabernacle was used in the desert, I think you’d be glad that it was all closed up like that.
It would be cool to be in that golden box, lit up by sacred oil, in the middle of a hot and sunny desert.
But that box of holiness and wonder is as plain and lame as a shadow of a 9-year-old kid is a poor representation of that boy running and playing. Even if the shadow fell across some pretty flowers, the shadow would be nothing compared to the bright eyes and Kool-Aid mustache of that boy playing in the setting summer sun.
The kingdom of God in the Life of Jesus Christ is AMAZING and He has purchased it for us. It is ours for the receiving.
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