Daily Reading: Hebrews 9
Scripture Focus: Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place. (Hebrews 9.3)
Devotional Thought: Hebrews 9, takes us "behind the second curtain", where we find the "second section."
In the original tabernacle, and later in the temple, there were two sections, the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies). The two were separated by a curtain. (It was that curtain, or veil, that was torn in two from top to bottom when Jesus died on the cross.) The first section was holy, and was a place for the worship of God and fellowship of the saints. The second section, however, was accessible only to the high priest and required blood for entrance. These two sections are representative of the two experiences of grace that are ours in Christ.
In addition we find in this chapter...
A second covenant (15). This covenant is better than the first, in that it is now written not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of the human heart. It is signified by circumcision of the heart by the Spirit.
A second sacrifice (23). The blood of bulls and goats was not enough to take away sin. There needed to be a better sacrifice, a perfect sacrifice. That sacrifice behind the second curtain is the Son of God himself, who entered in once and for all. No further sacrifice is needed other than the Lamb without blemish, who was slain from the foundation of the world.
A second appearing (28). The Lamb who was slain, however, has risen! He is ascended to heaven, and will open the scroll that will mark the beginning of the new heaven and new earth. He is coming again to take us to be with him forever and ever.
Amen!
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that you entered behind the second curtain, and you now invite me to go with you there in a new covenant. I long for your appearing, O Lord! Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 49.10-15
10 For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others. 11 Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations, though they called lands by their own names. 12 Man in his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish.
13 This is the path of those who have foolish confidence; yet after them people approve of their boasts. Selah 14 Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; death shall be their shepherd, and the upright shall rule over them in the morning. Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell. 15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. Selah
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