Welcome, friends, to another
broadcast of Morsels for Zion's Poor. There is a principle that
is taught throughout Scripture which is plainly stated by Paul
in 1 Corinthians 13, 10. When that which is perfect is
come, then that which is in part shall be done away. The Levitical
priesthood, as great as it was in the day of its inception,
was only temporary. It was just a signpost on the
road which pointed to a better priesthood. All priests of the
Old Testament order were limited by the scope of the system that
they operated under. All that they could do was offer
sacrifices continually, year by year, never really altering
the sinful condition of their constituents, but in reality
only reminding them of sin's continual presence. The priesthood
of Jesus Christ, however, is not based upon the Mosaic Law,
which is limited in its scope and capability by the weakness
of the flesh. Though Jesus of Nazareth was
born a Jew of the tribe of Judah, his priesthood did not spring
from that nativity, but from the power of an endless life
which he possessed from the beginning. And now, in the end of this age,
he has revealed that power in obtaining eternal redemption
for his people. In contrast with the work of
the Levitical priest, who could only remind men of their sin,
this better priest has taken away the sin of his people, both
judicially, as they are condemned by a broken law, and, just as
importantly, he has satisfied the conscience of his elect by
giving them a peace that passes understanding in imparting to
them the gift of faith. They are reconciled to God in
mind and heart because of the work of Christ, as well as having
their sin debt canceled by His death, burial, and resurrection.
On top of that, He has purchased for them the right to be the
sons of God, working in them to will and to do of His good
pleasure, as He transforms them by His Spirit's indwelling presence.
This is indeed a better priesthood. The book of Hebrews is one of
contrasts, the old versus the new. God, who at sundry times
and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by
the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son. This kingdom which Christ came
to establish is not just an extension or refurbishing of the old covenant,
but rather a new and living way. Those things which are better
are pointed out here in the book of Hebrews. We read of a better
administrator, being made so much better than the angels as
he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
God often sent angels in the Old Testament as messengers with
heavenly tidings to Israel and her prophets. Even the birth
of Christ was heralded by such. But now in these last days, he
has sent his son to personally testify of God's purpose in the
redemption of his people. We read of a better hope. For
the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better
hope did, by the which we draw nigh unto God. The law is powerless
to meet the needs of men. It cannot alter a sinner's heart,
nor can it give him any sort of encouragement. But Christ
not only gives us hope, which is sure and steadfast, but gives
us a delight in him and his way. We read of a better covenant.
By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. There
are some who try to say that the new covenant, which is ushered
in by Christ, is just a new and improved model of the old, which
was established with the nation of Israel. Yet the very name
by which it is called causes us to examine this issue more
closely. Though there are areas of comparative similarity in
the old and the new covenants, this descriptive word better,
which is used here, denotes a distinction rather than a comparison. We
read of better promises. He is the mediator of a better
covenant, which was established upon better promises. The promises
that were made to Israel were all conditional upon her obedience.
The covenant of law could only say, do this and live. The failure
of the flesh to meet its conditions brought about a failure of the
covenant. The better covenant, which Christ has ushered in,
is not conditional at all, but is built upon the yea and amen
of Him who promised. Therefore it has no weakness
and is in no danger of not being fulfilled. The unveiling of the
new covenant has caused the old to vanish away, just as light
causes darkness to flee. And then we read of a better
country. knowing in yourselves that you have in heaven a better
and an enduring substance. Because you are sons, God has
sent forth the spirit of a son into your hearts, crying, Abba,
Father. Wherefore thou art no more a
servant, but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
The prospect of life beyond the grave is forever solidified in
the minds and hearts of God's children by the resurrection
of Jesus Christ. It is no longer just a place
of myth and lore, but it can be seen clearly by the eye of
faith. What the law could not do, Jesus
Christ has done.