Today's Passage - Hebrews 9:8-10

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River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Hebrews 9:8-10 The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning.   This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper.   They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings - external regulations applying until the time of the new order. None of the special festivities and ceremonies back in the Old Testament time could "clear the conscience of the worshiper." In fact, if following the festivities and ceremonies drive us to depart from God, they actually make us even more self-righteous. The Pharisees of the Old Testament time strictly followed the law, but it didn't draw their hearts closer to God, but rather they became more distant from God, because they felt that they've done things that satisfied themselves and they no longer need God. .  Jesus once preached the parable of a praying Pharisee. The Pharisee entered the sanctuary and started praying: "Lord, I'm not like that tax collector. I fast twice a week and offer one tenth of everything I make." Jesus said that this person was not praying, but rather just mumbling, because his prayer was filled with "I". He was just exalting himself, not really praying. A tax collector entered, and he prayed very differently. He said "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." Jesus said that this person is actually righteous. Pharisees followed the rules, but their hearts are not close to God. That's why God said "To obey is better than sacrifice," for He doesn't really care what we sacrifice to Him, but rather He values the attitude inside our hearts. He wants us to completely belong to Him. We are often trapped in law and ceremonies, but overlook the meaning behind what we do, thus our hearts never really become close to God. Many churches sing a hymn in the beginning of the Sunday worship service that says "Lord is in the sanctuary, all shall remain silent." Most people don't know the meaning of singing this hymn in the very beginning, and their hearts do not have any fear. When the church hears this hymn, people simply stop chatting and wait for the service to begin, but their hearts aren't really prepared to receive God. .  The "time of the new order" in verse 10 is same as what Acts 3:21 says, "the time comes for God to restore everything," which is the time when Jesus Christ comes again. When Christ comes, He will become our eternal sacrifice of redemption, and we will no longer live under the restrictions of law and thus be released from the bondage of law. Are you still living under the bondage of the law? We are often busy with observing law and festivities, but our hearts become distant from God.  Let our hearts turn back to God today! Pray with Pastor Tong Lord, I thank you because you are indeed filled with grace. When we turn back to you, you will bless us. If we are still trapped in law, customs and ceremonies, may the Lord release us from all these bondages, and let us enjoy true freedom and joy in you. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen! River of Life Christian Church | office@rolcc.net | ROLCC Website

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