Knowing God through His Word … Day by Day

Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law.They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. —Hebrews 8:1-6

The Levitical priests always stood when they were in the tabernacle or temple, indicating that their work was never done. But look at Hebrews 8:1: Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God’s throne!  He has done everything to accomplish our redemption. “It is finished” (John 19:30) is what Jesus cried out from the cross.  He is done, and is seated at God’s right hand.  The right hand of the throne is a place of honor, power, and exaltation.

Human priests would enter the Holy of Holies once a year, and never stay there for long.  It is thought that a rope was tied to the leg of the priest, so in case he died, the other priests could haul him out!  But Jesus is sitting at the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens! The point of Hebrews 8:1-6 is, “Why would you even want an inferior, human priest, when you have a high priest permanently seated in such an exalted position?”

Why indeed? “But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.”