Not Yet

Preparing for the Lord's Day

Jesus is Better

One of my favorite movies growing up was Raiders of the Lost Ark. In this movie, Archeologist, Indiana Jones played by Harrison Ford, is seeking to stop a Nazi-led archeological expedition from finding the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark of the Covenant was the golden box that carried the Ten Commandments. It was adorned with two cherubim figures, above which the very presence of God was manifested. The Ark resided in the most holy place of the Tabernacle and would go forth with the armies of Israel during their wilderness journey and their conquest of Canaan. 

In Raiders of the Lost Ark, the Nazis believe if they obtained the Ark they will be unstoppable in their world conquest. While the movie is not always theologically accurate one thing it does get right is the holiness of God. Early in the movie Indiana Jones is warned,

“…for nearly three thousand years man has been searching for the Lost Ark. It's not something to be taken lightly. No one knows its secrets. It's like nothing you've ever gone after before.” 

Once the Ark has been discovered and then coopted by the Nazis it is taken to a remote island to be “tested.” But instead of a weapon to be wielded the Ark reveals itself to be a force of uncontrollable power. When the Ark is opened the angel of death appears and all who gaze upon the Ark are destroyed! 

Even with its Hollywood sensibilities, this movie captures a truth that is often ignored in our evangelical culture, God is holy. Therefore, we cannot casually or flippantly stroll into his presence. His holiness and our sinfulness mean that the way is closed. 

In our passage for this morning, the author of the Hebrews explains how the Old Covenant displayed the closed nature of God’s presence. All the articles of worship that symbolized his presence spoke of man’s inability to come into the midst of his holiness. Nevertheless, they also displayed a promise of a day when, through Christ, the way would be opened. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Hebrews 9:1-10, Exodus 25:10-16, Leviticus 16:2, Isaiah 6:1-7, Psalm 80:1, 1 Timothy 1:5, 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 “All You That Fear Jehovah’s Name,” the Acclamation of Praise “O Great God,” and the Hymn of Response “Holy, Holy, Holy!” 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 9:1-10 

Title: Not Yet 

Outline 

1. God’s Presence Was Not Yet Open (vv. 1-8)
2. Man’s Conscience Was Not Yet Perfected (v. 9)
3. Christ’s Reformation Was Not Yet Established (v. 10)

Sunday's Bulletin

Bulletin Insert