Insightful Musings on theScriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good morning, dear ones.

And a gorgeous clear fall morning it is! Becki and I did our little excursion. And once again, Dandy lost a ball. I wish I could take it out of his allowance.

Lots on the list today. Pause—pause. Things started rolling after typing that sentence—and I’m just getting back to this computer at 3:03pm. I’m trying to take some time to do my own thing now…following through with my brainy idea to fabricate a press for squishing juice from grapes and apples…since they are presently at their peak of ripeness.

Have a great rest of your day.

Love, Dad/Ray.

How often is sin present to exert influence in our lives as something to contend with? I think we would need to say CONSTANTLY—24/7. Under the old order how often did the high priest enter the Most Holy Place to make a blood offering “for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance?” The answer: “Only once a year.” While this old order was superficially effective, “the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. They are (were) only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—EXTERNAL regulations applying until the time of the new order” (Hebrews 9:9-10).

Let’s again contrast that description with the super-superior solution to the sin problem—the high priestly ministry that Jesus affords through the NEW ORDER (which is INTERNAL—“Christ in you, the hope of glory”) where “he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he ALWAYS (24/7) lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

The Message translation describes Christ’s ministry this way (Hebrews 7:26-28): “So now we have a high priest who perfectly fits our needs; completely holy, uncompromised by sin, with authority extending as high as God’s presence in heaven itself. Unlike the other high priests, he doesn’t have to offer sacrifices for his own sins every day before he can get around to us and our sins. He’s done it, once and for all: offered up himself as the sacrifice. The law appoints as high priests men who are never able to get the job done right. But this intervening command of God, which came later, appoints the Son, who is absolutely, eternally perfect”—24 hours a day, 7 days a week—forever! It’s no overstatement to call that WONDERFUL!