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Greater than Moses The importance of the person of Moses to all of Israelite history cannot be overstated. He was the faithful messenger of God, the instrument through which the Law was given, and the one who established the Levitical priesthood. One ancient Jewish text describes Moses as “equal in glory to the holy ones.” Yet, just as the...

The Danger of a Hard Heart Many Old Testament passages provide a correspondence between ancient Israelite figures and events and Christian realities and experiences. In today’s reading, the Israelite experience in the Exodus and Wilderness is depicted as a significant type for the Christian journey itself. Just as Moses led the Israelites...

The Promised Sabbath Rest Many people joke that they need a vacation after their vacation! They arrive home, weary from the exhaustion and challenge of travel—but instead of much-needed rest, they are met with a yard needing attention, an air conditioner needing repair, and grocery shopping needing done. The hoped-for rest still lies in the...

Melchizedek the Priest Most Jews expected the promised Messiah to be from the royal line of David, a reasonable conclusion based on the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7). Psalm 110, a psalm of David, was read as a promise about the Messiah’s kingly reign. But that psalm also describes the Messiah as a “priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek”...

The Need for a New Covenant In the ancient Near East, a covenant was used to establish the relationship between two parties. In it, the suzerain (or lord) promised protection and blessing, while the vassal (or servant) promised obedience and loyalty. For Israel, the Mosaic covenant was the binding relationship between God and His people.

The Finality of Christ’s Sacrifice All the way back in Hebrews 5:11, the author introduced the topic of Jesus’ priesthood and sacrifice and warned, “We have much to say about this.” Indeed he did! Five chapters later, we have finally come to the end of that extended argument. Fittingly, it concludes with an emphasis on the finality of Christ’s...

A Call to Faith At a sports league Hall of Fame, visitors can learn about the history of the sport, see memorabilia such as old balls and equipment, and acknowledge the accomplishments of the players and coaches who are honored for their exceptional achievements. In a similar way, Hebrews 11 offers its own list of exceptional men and women...

The Purpose of Discipline The earliest Christians knew the pain of persecution, and those who ultimately died for their faith were deemed martyrs. The author of Hebrews encouraged his congregation by reminding them: “You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood” (v. 4). Still, the experience of hardship and suffering was...

Living under the Shepherd Scotland has a population of some 5.3 million people—and 6.5 to 7 million sheep! Sheep farmers understand the importance of caring for their flock in all sorts of terrain and weather conditions. That image of a watchful shepherd runs throughout our passage. The leaders of the church are called to “keep watch over...

God’s vision of community looks like a family. The first step in finding your place in God’s plan for the church is to enter into a relationship with Him by faith. If you are already a believer, think about your own church. What would a family portrait look like? If you are not yet part of a church, ask God to help you find one.