Countdown 10

It's been serious focus time. I wrote last post that writing these Bible notes is demanding, disciplining and rewarding. I need to stress the rewards can be slow coming! Editing 330 words to do justice to each section of Scripture is much more about demanding and disciplining !  Hebrews 10 is split into three sections:

The new world view (1-10) expresses what must have been a profound shock to this young Jewish Christian church. Like when Copernicus discovered that the earth orbits the sun and is not the centre of the universe. Their once solid convictions about life-long Jewish practice are shattered. The yearly rounds of sacrifices once believed to be essential to their relationship with God are now 'set aside' (v9) - for Jesus the Messiah has come. One person replaces the whole structure of the Jewish sacrificial system. It is revolutionary for us too. I remember hearing a debate between a critic of Christianity and a Christian theologian. The critic ridiculed the concept of sacrifice as primitive and insubstantial. The rebuke from the Christian was strong: Jesus was a Jew on God's mission and for God's purposes 'sacrifice' is essential to salvation. God says 'My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my way' and sacrifice is his way to save the world. He planned the cross for us. 

A holy privilege (11-25) has three pictures. Two are from the temple. First, the priests stand at the altar offering sacrifices. Second, in vivid contrast is Jesus seated in glory, having completed God's love mission for us. From humility on the cross exalted to authority in glory. Third, is the Holy of Holies in the temple, accessible only once a year by the High Priest. Yet now, torn open by Jesus' sacrifice, opening up God's very presence for us to enter. To give us confidence to worship God in his holiness. Worship involves both personal consecration with sincere hearts and corporate consecration as worshippers have responsibility to spur each other to love and good deeds. What a corrective picture to any casual worship!

Serious business (26-39) Sadly, it is clear that some of these new Christians, having begun with enthusiastic faith, now find confidence and commitment to Jesus is ebbing away.  Here are some tough reminders of how God meted out judgment on those who rejected the law of Moses in the Old Testament. How much more seriously does God regard believers who are rejecting Jesus? Graphically they are described as 'trampling the Son of God' (v29). It's uncomfortable being reminded of our accountability  before Christ's judgment (2 Cor. 5:10) Nothing is more important in accountability than how we persevered in our faith and loyalty to Jesus as Lord. 

And, next, chapter 11!