It is abundantly clear that sacrifices offered by imperfect men never have and never will be sufficient to remove sins. In fact, even under the Old Testament—a revelation from Almighty God—the sacrifices of bulls and goats only reminded people of their sins. Note, the sins were not “rolled forward” as some wrongfully conclude. Rather, they were reminded of their sin and the need for a sacrifice to take it away…and that the animals did not do the job because they had to be offered again and again.

Instead, Jesus came as the perfect sacrifice for sins. He was divine and God prepared a body for Him. He came to do the will of God, “by which will we have been sanctified.” The sacrifice we offer now is our body as a living sacrifice to God; both in gratitude and duty (Rom. 1:1, 2).

In Hebrews 9:11-15, the writer previews what he will discuss in the rest of chapter 9 and all of chapter 10. His lists many things about Jesus, His function, and the purpose of His advent.

1. High Priest.
2. Built a greater tabernacle.
3. Used His blood, not that of animals.
4. One sacrifice, not many.
5. For redemption, including those under the Old Testament.
6. Mediator.
7. Established a New Covenant.

Truly, Jesus is our all in all.

The writer gives us a good overview of the first tabernacle. It would be nice to see it today as it was then; no doubt an amazing structure. Yet, it was temporary and significantly inferior to what we have now.

Take note that the ark of the covenant contained three things: 1. The golden pot that had the manna; 2. Aaron’s rod that budded; 3. The tablets of the covenant. The latter is what is interesting. The tablets were the Ten Commandments which were representative of the entire covenant. Since the covenant is done away with, so are the tablets. In other words, the Ten Commandments are no longer in force (cf. 2 Cor. 3:3-13). Our moral standards are rooted in the New Testament of Jesus Christ, not the Old Testament of Moses.

Jesus Christ is the true high priest now. In contrast to the Levites who ministered in a physical tabernacle/temple made with the hands of men, Jesus ministers in the true tabernacle—the church—built by the Lord.

The Old Testament system was merely a copy and shadow of the real and genuine. And, as Moses was required to follow the pattern given by God, so are we. If it was important to do so for the “shadow” it is that much more important for the substance.

Notice again the writer states Jesus is the Mediator of a “better” covenant established on “better” promises. We are way better off than folks under the Law of Moses.

Psalm 3 was written when David ran from Absalom’s rebellion. It was a time of deep distress and sorrow. Instead of falling to pieces, David turned to God who had been his steadfast defender. He did not abandon God, nor did he blame Him for what happened.

In Psalm 3:3, David said, “But You, O Lord, are a shield for me.” The NKJV has a footnote on the “for,” which it says is literally “around.” So, the Lord is a shield around me. He completely covers me; protects me in all directions. Since this is so, we can be like David, lay down to sleep and not be afraid of 10,000s of people who are against us.

Psalm 2 is a Messianic psalm. The image is the nations fighting against the Father and Son. Their plot is vain because there is no way they can win. The world believes it can overpower God and be free to live however it wants without consequences. It is not so. The only thing that results is God’s displeasure and wrath.

In verses 7 to 9 the picture of Christ taking up His rule is given. He did this when He was raised from the dead and returned to heaven (Acts 13:33).

The admonition is given to rulers, kings, to submit to God or face His wrath. Oh that the rulers of the nations today would heed this warning. What will we suffer as we are humbled? May we each put our faith in God no matter what our nation might do.

This is an appropriate first Psalm. It is an admonition and warning to live for the Lord and how to do it. We must refrain from wickedness by not listening to, standing with, or planting ourselves with the unrighteous. Rather, our heart and mind must be devoted to and focused on the Law of the Lord – His word.  This will put our roots down and supply us with living water. If we ignore this, our fate will be like chaff in the wind.

Boaz redeemed Ruth. In doing so, he eventually became the great grandfather of David, Israel’s greatest king.

Boaz agrees to take Ruth and marry her if possible. He determined to follow the Law in these matters; the character of a righteous man. Boaz & Ruth respected each other, nothing untoward took place between the two.

Ruth is a glimpse into the days of the Judges. It is an account of people being faithful to the Lord in a time of national faithlessness. It is a lesson we need to learn and be reminded of regularly; people serve the Lord even when surrounded with wickedness.

Chapter one introduces us to Ruth and Naomi, two main characters. We learn that Naomi’s family had moved to Moab because of famine in the land of Judah. Naomi’s husband and sons died. She was left in this land with two daughters-in-law.

Since there was now food in Judah and her family was gone, Naomi decided to return to live among her people. She told her daughters-in-law to return to their family. Orpah did just that. Ruth, however, was determined to go with Naomi. It was not simply that she liked Naomi, but that she was dedicated to God (Ruth 1:16, 17).

When Naomi arrived back in Judah, she was the “talk of the town.” She told the people to call here “Mara” (bitter) instead of Naomi (pleasant) because she lost her husband and sons. She is still in morning and does not realize the great blessings ahead and her role in the history of Israel and lineage of Christ.

Two things here:

1. Our ties to servants of God can be closer than family ties. Ruth left all she had ever known to be among God’s people.

2. Our tragedies may open a door for great things in God’s kingdom to be done through us. We never know the influence and impact we may have on the course of events…even history itself.