Preparing for the Lord's Day
Jesus is Better
In our digital era, it is hard to understand the power of place. More and more people are working remotely. We can watch live events on TV without having to be at the stadium or in a concert hall. We can speak with friends who are on the other side of the world through Zoom. The advent of digital media has in many ways collapsed space and time, allowing us to overcome the limitations of being located in a particular place. Nevertheless, place still matters.
There is a vast difference between speaking with someone face to face and speaking to a digital representation of someone’s face. Watching a movie about the Grand Canyon, even on an IMAX screen, is not the same as standing on the edge of the immensity that is the Grand Canyon. This truth hit home a few years back when I attempted to perform a pre-marital counseling session over Zoom. While we could see and hear each other, the personal connection that is so important in counseling sessions was not present. The place was important.
In our passage for this Sunday, the author of Hebrews is making the case that the ministry of Jesus is better because it occurs in a better place, namely heaven. While the earthly temple represented the heavenly throne room, Jesus now ministers in the true heavenly throne room. Therefore his ministry is much more excellent because Jesus ministers in the power, the presence, and the promise of God. To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Hebrews 8:1-6, Exodus 25:40, Isaiah 66:1, Ephesians 2:6, Hebrews 1:3, and this article on the tabernacle.
As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Wondrous King, All Glorious,” the Acclamation of Praise “Not All the Blood of Beasts,” and the Hymn of Response “Rejoice the Lord is King.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Hebrews 8:1-6
Title: The Power of Place
Outline:
- The Place of God's Power (v.1)
- The Place of God's Presence (vv. 2-5)
- The Place of God's Promise (v. 6)