Good morning and welcome back! I hope you all had a chance to get out and enjoy the day yesterday before winter winds and cold returned!! Chapter 10 is long, but it is lot of repeat of things we have read/discussed before. It is a good review of where we are in this chapter!
We go back to a quick discussion of the Laws and the sacrifices and how they are just a taste of what is to come. It is interesting what the author says- if the Laws and the sacrifices were sufficient, then people wouldn't have to do them year after year (vv 1-4)! I never thought of it that way! Blood from bulls and goats can't take away the sins, it just reminds you of them and essentially covers them up. The Hebrew word for atonement is kophar, which literally means, “to cover.” The blood covered the sins, but couldn't remove them...only the blood of Jesus could do that. I never thought of the blood sacrifices as just covering the sins.
The author then uses Psalm 40 in the context of Christ. Psalm 40 is credited to David, and many thought that David was to be the savior. Using New Testament thoughts (and that is what the author of Hebrews is doing)- we see references to Jesus in 40:6-8; the Jewish people of the time saw it as a prophecy of a savior that was coming (possibly David). Can you see how we interpret Hebrew Scriptures through New Testament eyes? Regardless, Psalm 40 says that God didn't want animal sacrifices or offerings (see also Micah 6:6-7), but the Savior has come to do what God wanted. And like we have said in a few other comments, it is a one and done thing (v 10). No repeated sacrifices, no "do-overs" for the sacrifice of Jesus, no other sacrifices are needed after this one. So, in response to a comment made earlier- there are no other covenants coming...this is it! What does that mean for us? How does that settle with you?
Notice the change in body positions. The priests were standing (v 11) but Jesus sat (v 12). The work of the priest was not done, but Jesus is now sitting; Jesus' ministry flows from his completed work, so Jesus can now sit. V 14 is somewhat troublesome- the sacrifice of Jesus is only for those who are being sanctified (made holy). My interpretation is that not everyone will accept salvation/ striving for perfection, so Jesus' sacrifice alone cannot save them. They (whoever "they" are) have to accept that offer of salvation. Thoughts??
The author goes back to some Jeremiah ideas. "At that time" (v 16; some translations say, "In those days"), meaning that the time isn't here yet, but it is coming. God (through Jeremiah) told of something better and different coming in the future. This new thing will be an inner transformation (teachings will be in their hearts and written on their minds) as opposed to an external change (v 16b). God will change the hearts of people. Do you feel that change? Do you notice those changes in you or those around you? To reflect on some of the comments for the last few days-- God will not remember the sins, so they are as good as gone (v 17). What does that mean for you?
We now get some huge words of assurance from the author. We don't have to fear going into the most holy place (v 19); we can have a face to face meeting with God and not be afraid. Some translations say (v 19) "enter with boldness"; the High Priest, when they entered the most Holy Place, would often be shaking and fearful and trembling at being in the presence of God! The Jewish people had a genuine fear of God and God said several times, if you see my face, you will die! The sacrifice of Jesus took that away. Jesus has taken away the curtain that separates humanity from God; there is no need for that separation any more. How does that feel to you- no separation between people and God? Jesus has broken down that wall and we have free and complete access to God. I love v 22- let us come near to God! How often do we come near to God?
The author begins to turn to community (v 24) in asking how we can help each other show love and good deeds. So, how can we? Is this missing in our culture- showing people how to do good deeds and show love? The author continues talking about going to church (v 25)!! Yahoo for calling "them" out for not attending! What if more of our pastors called out people saying, "You know, you should really attend church more often!" How would people respond? It is interesting when you see people that used to attend...they get all frustrated and being to make excuses and then, almost inevitable say, I will be there this Sunday. To which I want to respond, "Yah, sure, OK, whatever!" But I usually respond with, "It will be good to see you again." They usually don't come.
A big slam is coming from the author next (vv 26- 31), essentially saying there is no excuse. If you know Jesus you shouldn't be sinning and doing bad! If you do, help yourself, because God will judge you harshly! If you reject Jesus' sacrifice, there is no other sacrifice that can help you! During Moses' time, people did wrong and they were penalized (even some sentenced to death). The author essentially says, if you do wrong now, and if you know the opportunity you have in Jesus, but you forego that- you will be penalized just the same! The author is trying to convince the people that Jesus is a much better way! Would the author's argument persuade you?
In the closing verses, the author is giving encouragement and reminds them to stand string in faith and trust in God. These people had probably been persecuted by their Jewish brothers and sisters, they were probably assumed to be dead because they left the Jewish church, they were likely beaten and made a spectacle of. Even with that, they persevered and continued to do the good that God wanted and they were strong in their faith. Draw on those past experiences (vv 35-36) and keep strong, even in these days of questioning. When you face tough days, do you remember the past struggles you had and then remember the faith you have? Do you tend to focus on the struggles of the faith?
The author closes with words of assurance (if they are followers of Christ). "The just will live by faith" (v 38a) is quoted several times by Paul in his letters. BUT...ugh those words! But, if you turn your back on me, God will turn away from you (v 38b). The author is saying hang on to good, do not go back to the old ways, have faith and trust God (more about that in chapter 11). Would these words persuade you to stay with Christ?
Tomorrow, Chapter 11, is probably the most well know part of Hebrews...the faith chapter! I look forward to looking at e people mentioned and talking about their faith.
Have a good day.
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
First of all, thank you Pastor for mentioning the Lent and Advent are times of the year that we are to repent, think about our past sins, and prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. I had forgotten that. I do do a lot more reading at those times of the year, but I honestly don't think about my actual sins. Something to think about. I understand that the author is saying that yearly sacrifices were not working, otherwise we would not need to do them yearly and that Jesus was sacrificed once for all sins. But I can't follow the author's logic. My thought is that, of course, yearly sacrifices would need to be done because we continue to sin. Old sins forgotten, new sins begin. So, as Jesus died for all of us to wipe away our sins, to me, doesn't mean that we can sin tomorrow and the next day and the next and those sins are immediately gone because the author says God says "I will remember those sins no more." and the sacrifice for those sins and all future sins has already been made. But we are to change, to live as close to Christ as we should - right? I mean, we have to acknowledge the sin and ask for the forgiveness and really mean it and really try not to sin - right? I actually thought vs 3 was a good thing - not a point to support the author's point of view. My translation says "But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. " We SHOULD remember our sins. Isn't that what you said we should be doing through advent and lent? I agree that sacrifices will NOT REMOVE the sin, but to remember them and to acknowledge the sin - I don't think this is an awful thing. I just can't wrap my head around it. I like the imagery portrayed in vs. 11 and 12. I guess that's why clergy people still stand at the pulpit today! Honestly, I do not feel a change nor do I see it in people around me - in fact, in the world today, it's almost the opposite. "God will not remember the sins"? - past sins? future sins that we have not even asked forgiveness for? John 14:6 says "No one comes to the Father except through me. I am the way, the truth, and the lift, no man cometh unto the Father but by me." The vail was torn upon Jesus' death, but does that mean that Jesus is now the vail? We do not go directly to God but to Jesus - who, as the author has mentioned many times in this book, intercedes for us? Wasn't that why Jesus suffered temptations so that He would know what it was like and be able to go to God for us? i like 22 - "Let us draw near with a true heart...." A true heart. I hope that's what I have. I think Pastor - AND the congregation - SHOULD mention to people they have not seen them in church (well, before and hopefully, after this COVID thing). Vs 26-31 - I think that would convince me not to drift away from Christianity (assuming that I believed in God). But it also reaffirms that we will be judged. No matter our requests to be forgiven, we will be judged on all our actions - not just those that we think of when we think of sin. Like your message on Sunday - Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan - that is the way we are to act. If we do not act that way, is it a sin? But God will judge us on it anyway. Yes/ At least, that's what I think the author is saying. Stay warm everyone!
ReplyDeleteRegarding your comments on sin- the idea is that if we truly are Christians and truly have Christ in our hearts, then we won't sin. We don't (obviously) so there is still some bad that we do. The goal is to try and improve and as long as God sees improvement, God will forget the past. We are to look back and remember and try to do better.
DeleteAre going to Jesus and going to God the same since they are the same Trinity? I look at talking to God and Jesus as the same. We treat them as different at times, but....
Lots of good thoughts to ponder and discuss! Thanks Donna.
This chapter has made some heavy foot prints on my heart, I guess I better wake up and get busy, quit making excuses for not doing the works I like to do, but still be safe. Feels like I have been in hibernation but now am free. Understanding so much more of Gods words.
ReplyDeleteI like your initial comments- heavy footprints on my heart. I feel that! And yes, maybe we have been in hibernation and it is time to wake from our slumber! Good comments RoseMarie!
DeleteIn the comments above, you interpret vs 25 as speaking about people going to church. I don’t see it that way. My Bible says “let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another”. Im respectfully saying that I feel that judging people by whether or not they attend church services is wrong. I think that going to services meets the needs of some but not everyone. Some people who regularly attend church are the least loving and kind and some people who don’t regularly attend church live Christian lives of service and kindness. I understand the idea that being together with others does encourage us to remember our mission. I also realize that this kind of a forum doesn’t really lend itself to the discussion that this topic probably needs.
ReplyDeleteYesterday I wondered about judgement and today’s chapter gives some answers. It clearly says in vs 30 “the Lord will judge His people”. I interpret this as “keep trying your best”. It is comforting to be able to sincerely ask for forgiveness and know it’s offered.
Hi Cathy. I know that I said that I thought clergy people and congregations should ask people to attend church (or come back because we missed them). I hope you didn't think that I meant we were to judge them or that I was judging them. Not at all! We should never judge people - those who attend, those who don't, those who don't believe. Your quote says "not neglecting to meet together" - that's what I am thinking church means - in any form. I am sorry if you thought I was judging or meant that people should - since I have been there many different periods in my life.
DeleteEven though I don’t know you, I know you well enough to know that you aren’t judging anyone. Nor is the pastor, I’m sure. I’ve been thinking since I published this that I shouldn’t have lol. I think I have some different ideas that probably don’t belong here.
DeleteI admire all your posts and get a lot out of them. Thank you for caring.
Thank you for your response. I feel better LOL. Sometimes when you write something it can be taken in a way totally different then you meant! Honestly, I really appreciate your posts, along with everyone’s! I just read Cindy’s and I agree - we all have our thoughts and interpretations and by discussing them and reading them, I learn and when someone post’s something out of my “wheelhouse” (so to speak) it causes me to really think! Please, don’t stop posting your thoughts and ideas!!! I enjoy reading them!!!
DeleteI think part of what the author implies is the gathering of people as Christ's body is important for growth and maturity in Christ. I agree that church isn't for all, but that gathering is something critical to faith formation (in my mind). It isn't a judgmental thing for me. What I don't like is people saying to me, "Oh I will be sure to come this Sunday" and they don't and the next time you see them they say the same thing and then they don't...repeat... I think when people meet a pastor, their instinct is to say they will see them Sunday!
DeleteRegarding judgement- I have said several times- I am not looking forward to that day! I know it is coming and I know there is my past!! But, I know that God has mercy and grace and that as long as I try to do better- God will see that.
Thanks for the great comments Cathy!
All points are welcome, and we are open to say what we believe...so keep the comments coming.
Thank you for the difference between Tabernacle and Temple I was thinking them as the same. So very much to learn and understand. I have gone to a few Jewish services with my stepdaughter in las and mu step grandchildren as the are of Jewish faith but didn't understand all that was going on.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter states the the old covenant didn't work as it only covered the sins and didn't take them away. God didn't want sacrifices and burnt offerings he wanted faith and love. What a stigma to be afraid of God and to have the high priest also tremble before God. Thank you Jesus for giving to us eternal life and the fear of God gone. We can talk directly to Godnow and confess our sins to him and he will forgive us if we truly mean what we ask. I remember when i was a young student nurse going with my friend to the /Catholic church while she went to Confession.. I asked her why she didn't just pray to Jesus and at that time she told me she had to go to the Priest to confess and that he went to God That is quite different now I think in the Catholic church but it does remind a little of the high priest going behind he curtain.
So the New Covenant made by jesus shedding his blood and dying and then resurrected has let us go into that most Holy place with God we can go behing the curtain and talk with God and ask him for forgiveness. What is hard to understand is that God knows that we keep on sinning even though we may not mean or want to but being human it happens nevertheless, and He forgives us again and again. Thank You Jesus.
This book of Hebrews was written for the Jewish Christians who were possibly turning back to their old ways but it can so be applied to us as we fall behind in our faith and need reminding to seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with and for God. (This is a constant reminder in church from Pastor Paul to all of us)
That sunshine today is glorious, enjoy it everyone.
God does want faith and love from us...that's something we forget I think! And yah, I couldn't imagine being afraid of God...in the sense that I would die if I saw God! Yikes!
DeleteGood analogy with confession in the Catholic church. I am not Catholic and I do't know all the rituals, but it does seem like a high priest type thing.
Not only can we go behind the curtain- the curtain isn't even there! There is no separation between God and people!
Good point about this book being good for us when we fall back or fall away, I didn't look at it that way!
Thanks for the comments and thoughts CLara!
Oh how I love reading everyone’s comments. As I read them I realize I am easily persuaded. Every time I read a comment I think that sounds right. I understood this chapter to mean that we should encourage each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things. As for continuing to repeat to sin...I believe most of us have a conscious that helps keep us on track. Jack you have questioned yourself several times on your interpretation. I think we all have our own thoughts but that is what is so wonderful about a group Bible study. We are opened to other thoughts and ideas.
ReplyDeleteI like the ability that we have to discuss and think separately yet corporately here. I think my ideas are good, then someone else says something in response and its, oh yah!
DeleteThe big point in this chapter is encouragement-- from the author to the Jews and from one person to the next. We need to have encouragement, especially when our faith begins to fall away from God. That's the part of getting to church/worship, that community if faith and believers is good for us.
We do have a mixed bunch of thoughts here and it is good to see everyone's perspective on things!
Thanks Cindy!
I have thought about the idea of sinning after reading this chapter. I get the feeling that the message here is that God has forgiven me for my sins up to the time of the crucifixion of Christ. After that, I am on my own. I know that this is ridiculous from everything that has been drilled into my head from the beginning of my time in church when I was a little boy (and that was before the stone age!!). People sin. It is part of being human and alive. This is not an excuse, but a statement of the way it is. I think that if God had punished me for my sins by removing one hair from my head for each sin that I am guilty of, I would have much less hair than I now have. I hope and pray that when the time comes, I will be forgiven for these sins. In the meantime, I will try a little harder to live a wholesome life.
ReplyDeleteAs far as what it written in this chapter, it would probably not persuade me to go or return to church. To me, the author paints a picture that is too depressing. What I mean by this is that he is pessimistic about our being forgiven. We will be penalized for our behavior no matter what. I don't want to go to church to hear about what a bad person I am. I heard enough of that in my youth in the Episcopal Church.
"...if you turn your back on me, God will turn away from you..." These words would definitely not persuade me to follow Christ as the Son of God.
This chapter seems to have a lot of issues if the author is trying to convince Jews that Christ is the "better way."
Jack, we are never on our own! As long as we have faith- Christ is right along side us! We do sin- like you said, it is a human thing! But, like you also said, God doesn't punish us for those sins. I think the feeling f guilt we have when we look back is enough punishment. God wants us to improve, like we want our children to improve. And as long as there is improvement, God is satisfied.
ReplyDeleteI hear your comment about church. The UMC preaches grace and forgiveness. John Wesley was all about that and becoming closer to God through study, tradition, works, etc... I really believe we need that corporate gathering of people of faith to build our own faith and have a sounding board for our life events.
The people being written to are Jews that were following Christ then decided to turn away. What the author is saying, I think , is that if you turn away from God, God can't help you. You have to have a relationship with God. I think God continues to pursue us, and we have the ability to hear God or not.
Good comments and honesty Jack. Thanks!