Better Ministry, Better Covenant, Better Promises
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Hebrews 8:6
But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.
But now, now that Jesus has risen from the dead, ascended into heaven with gifts and sacrifices to offer to God in the heavenlies, and sat down at God’s right hand, He inaugurated a new and better relationship with God. Jesus’ ministry is more excellent than the ministry of the earthly high priests because He mediates a better covenant between God and man. This new covenant is based on better promises than the promises contained in the Law. When we stop to think about this, we should be greatly encouraged.
First, we are encouraged that we don’t have to go to a physical place to worship God. We are free to worship God anywhere at anytime. That’s better! Second, our relationship with God isn’t mediated by another sinner like us. That’s destined to fail and can give no confidence. Jesus is now our mediator, and He is perfect, appointed by God forever to represent us in God’s presence. That’s better! Third, we are encouraged that the covenant we have with God isn’t based on our performance as a part of the covenant. The new covenant rests 100% on Jesus’ righteousness. That’s better! Fourth, what an encouragement that the promise of life is ours on the basis of faith given to us by God as a gift rather than based on our ability to keep God’s law. That’s better!
Therefore, we have a better hope that when we draw near to God for help to live in such a way as to glorify God and bring Him joy, we will receive the grace we need. My friends, we live to love with Jesus. He has a more excellent ministry to us than any other religion offers its worshippers. We can be confident that He will minister to us, for us, and through us as we draw near to Him for help to love those God puts in our paths today.