Our Daily Bread -- Stories in a Cabin

March 23, 2016

Read: Hebrews 9:11-15
Bible in a Year: Joshua 13-15; Luke 1:57-80

[Christ] went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands. —Hebrews 9:11

The vintage cabin, expertly constructed from hand-hewn logs, was worthy of a magazine cover. But the structure itself was only half the treasure. Inside, family heirlooms clung to the walls, infusing the home with memories. On the table sat a hand-woven egg basket, an ancient biscuit board, and an oil lamp. A weathered pork pie hat perched over the front door. “There’s a story behind everything,” the proud owner said.

When God gave Moses instructions for constructing the tabernacle, there was a “story” behind everything (Ex. 25-27). The tabernacle had only one entrance, just as we have only one way to God (see Acts 4:12). The thick inner curtain separated the people from the Most Holy Place where God’s presence dwelt: Our sin separates us from God. Inside the Most Holy Place was the ark of the covenant, which symbolized God’s presence. The high priest was a forerunner of the greater Priest to come—Jesus Himself. The blood of the sacrifices foreshadowed Christ’s perfect sacrifice: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption” (Heb. 9:12).

All these things told the story of Christ and the work He would accomplish on our behalf. He did it so that “those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance” (v. 15). Jesus invites us to be a part of His story. —Tim Gustafson

What items have special meaning for me and why? What stories do I tell about them? How can they help point people to Jesus?

Jesus took our sin that we might have salvation.

INSIGHT: In the Old Testament, covenants were binding agreements between humans or between humans and God. Covenants between God and man were important markers for the Jewish people. For example, the people of Israel were brought into a special relationship with God through His covenant with Abraham (Gen. 17). The tribes of Israel became a people of God in the covenant reached at Mount Sinai (Ex. 34). David had a special covenant with God that ensured the throne to David’s offspring (2 Sam. 7). The idea of covenant would resonate with the Jewish recipients of Hebrews—for Jesus has established His new covenant with us through His sacrifice. By accepting the gift of this covenant, we receive eternal life (9:15).

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