Daily Reflections, Saturday, January 30, 2010

Today's Scripture: Hebrews 7:25

I have always been fascinated with the unique sights, sounds, and smells of the Holy Land. In March, my wife and I will be hosting a tour of Israel. One of the highlights of each trip is a visit to the Temple Institute in Jerusalem.

Tourists are invited to participate in a series of lectures which provide insight into priestly manners and customs. I find it fascinating how well the Jewish people have preserved the biblical blueprint for the construction of all the temple implements.

The Temple Institute’s attention to detail extends to the composition of the high priest’s robe. The high priest had bells sewn into his robe to alert the people waiting outside the temple he was still alive. If he had unconfessed sin in his life, he would die. But as long as the bells were ringing, the people had hope in the priest’s intercessory work.

When God predicted Christ’s eternal priesthood, He offered the world hope of a qualified intercessor. When Christ rose again from the dead, He conquered death. Our hope as Christians is anchored in His life. The bells are yet ringing, and the sum of our failures and shortcomings, our hopes and fears, our needs and desires can be laid at our High Priest’s feet.

Are you struggling with a besetting sin, sinking beneath a burden of discouragement, or wrestling with a bitter spirit? Lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus. Can you hear those bells? Your High Priest is alive and well.

When God is about to give His people the expected good, He pours out a Spirit of prayer, and it is a good sign that He is coming towards them in mercy. — Matthew Henry