“For the Law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better Hope did—by the which we draw nigh unto God.”
Hebrews 7:19
No doctrine or degree, ritual or rule, practice or precept can give it; only Jesus can do that.
Hope.
What is this precious “commodity” that enables one to go on when others have quit? That inward “light in darkness” that comforts and engenders courage while others are cowering in fear?
Today’s Manna gives us the answer:
It’s Jesus.
Jesus alone.
Quite often what the world calls “hope” is really little more than wishful thinking or positive thinking. But, wishful thinking is nothing more than a “pie-in-the-sky-bye-and-bye” type of belief—a “Oh, I hope so,” belief. And, positive thinking is rooted in our own mental ability and determination, not Who God is and what He has promised (Heb. 11:6).
Yes, true Hope—the “better Hope” described in today’s Manna—is rooted in the Lord Jesus and is truly “the sure-and-steadfast Anchor of the soul” (Heb. 6:17-20). Hallelujah!! And, it’s “BY/THROUGH HIM that we draw nigh unto God” (Jn. 10:7, 9; 14:6; Heb. 10:19-20). Glory!!
Earthly priests and pastors come and go; there’s always a “changing of the guard.” And, none of them, like the Law, can bring perfection or pardon (Heb. 7:11). With each one of them, there’s likely a change in interpretation and application of the Law (v.12). That’s why there was a need for a Perpetual and Perfect Priest—and Jesus became that One for all who believe.
Think of it:
No more need for animal sacrifices. No more need for repetitive rituals. No more need to adjust to a new priest after the old one dies. No more need to try and convince ourselves that we’re forgiven after being told so by a priest.
Jesus’ Life, Death and Resurrection changed all of that.
And, because of Him we now have “boldness to enter into the Holiest (of Holies) by His Blood, by a new-and-living Way, which He has consecrated for us, through the Veil, that is to say, His flesh” (Heb. 10:19-20).
Truly, “the Law could make nothing perfect.” Its role was to be our “schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ” (Gal. 3:24)—i.e., to tell us right from wrong and to sternly reprimand us when we did wrong. But, when Jesus came, He changed all that (Gal. 3:25-29). And, He demonstrated the true “law” that constrains us is His “Law of Love,” which changes us from the inside out. What a blessed, “better Hope” this is. Why not stop right now and thank Him?
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated February 14, 2011
