Hebrews 8:1-2

Summary retelling of Hebrews 8:1-2

All of the study up until now points to the fact that we have a high priest seated at the right hand of God in heaven.  He ministers in the truly holy space.  He is in a place of God’s design, not human design.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Notice the verb that describes the action of Jesus Christ in heaven.  He is seated.  Forgive me if this point is a bit overstated and perhaps not completely in the intent of the author.  However, Jesus is seated in heaven.  Why would Jesus be seated?  His work is complete.  He’s done His job.  He came to earth, died on the cross, and saved all of humanity.  He’s done with what God asked Him to do.  In my opinion, He’s due for a seat besides the Father!

Have you ever thought about Jesus being seated?  What does it mean to you that Jesus’ work is complete?

Second Thought:

Notice that the place where Jesus sits is on a throne at the right hand of God.  The priests of the lineage of Aaron – the priesthood prescribed by the Law – served before God rather than at His right hand.  For that record, they always worked in the temple rather than sat, too.  The author is speaking about the greatness of Christ and how different He is compared to the priests of the Law.  Christ’s work – when done – allows Him to sit at the right hand of God because He is the only priest to officially finish His work.

What does it mean to you that Jesus sits at the right hand of God?

Third Thought:

The author of Hebrews makes one other really neat point.  Jesus is in a place of God’s design: heaven.  All the other priests worked in a place of human design: the temple in Jerusalem.  Jesus is in a truly holy place because it is all about God.  Human beings work in a place that should be about God – and Lord willing most of the time it is – but we bring our humanity with us when we come into it.

When you think of the holiness of heaven, what do you think about?

Passage for Tomorrow: Hebrews 8:3-5