There are many who are helped by reading the text for Sunday’s sermon ahead of time. Pondering it and praying over it can help you get tons more out of our time together singing those songs and taking communion together. I hope it will help many! I know it’s helping me.
Read Hebrews chapter 9. Notice how the details of the Old Testament tabernacle are named. Think of why God would want us to get this. Focus especially on verses 11-12, as the key to understanding these things.
But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.
The key is this. For every tabernacle detail, Jesus is the greater and more perfect reality. The tabernacle and its contents are all symbols designed to explain Jesus. Jesus is the perfect fulfillment far greater than the symbol. Spend time thinking through the tabernacle details and how Jesus is the greater and more perfect fulfillment.
Now consider why the Holy Spirit would want the book of Hebrews to emphasize these things so much. Recall what was happening to the original readers. They were beginning to suffer because of their association with Jesus and the gospel. How would these details cause them to hold fast their confession instead of drifting away from Jesus?
Why do you need to hear these things? What is hardship doing to your faith?
Now, let’s worship Jesus together!
