Verse
Hebrews 9:1–5 (ESV)
Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. For a tent was prepared, the first section… Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place… Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.
Meditation
The old covenant sanctuary, with its sacred objects and veiled inner chamber, pointed beyond itself. The lampstand, the table, the bread of the Presence—all foreshadowed something greater. At the center stood the ark, veiled and untouchable, where God’s mercy was enthroned between cherubim. Yet access to this holiness was barred, except to the high priest once a year. The arrangement preached a message: God is holy, and sinful man cannot approach Him without blood. But now, through Christ, the veil is torn, and the heavenly sanctuary stands open. What once was hidden is now revealed. What was once untouchable is now our hope. The mercy seat is not lost—it is fulfilled in Jesus, our Great High Priest.
Old Testament
Exodus 25:21–22 (ESV)
And you shall put the mercy seat on the top of the ark… There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat… I will speak with you.
Collect
O Lord of glory, who once dwelt above the mercy seat and now reigns in the heavenly places, grant us faith to see in Christ the true and final High Priest, the fulfillment of all that was written before. Cleanse our conscience by His blood, and draw us near in reverence and confidence. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Hymn Verse
The Death of Jesus Christ, Our Lord – LSB 634, verse 2
He gave His body to be shed,
His very blood for sinners bled;
And thus He set us free from death,
And hell and sin and Satan's wrath.
No comments:
Post a Comment