Reading the Word

Hebrews 8:1–2 (ESV)

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.

Understanding and Applying the Word

Many people have trouble making sense of the Old Testament. What was God doing then? It seems so different than the New Testament. A key to understanding the Old is to realize that it is pointing to the future. God makes many promises to his people that find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. So, the Old Testament is looking forward to the fulfillment of promises while the New Testament announces that Jesus is the fulfillment.

The author of Hebrews tells us that the priests and sacrifices were also pointing forward to Jesus. The Old Testament priests ministered in the tabernacle and the temple before the Lord, but Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father and ministers on our behalf. He is far superior to the priests!

With Christmas, we see the fulfillment of what God had promised his people. It reminds us that God does keep his promises and that we can trust in his word. As we continue to live in this world and wait for Christ to come again, we find confidence as we celebrate his incarnation.

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