This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order.
Hebrews 9:9-10 (NIV)
Troubled times.
Political corruption. Nationalism zealously on the rise. Assassinations increasingly common.
Political resentments. Religious fervor. Arrogance of the ruling class.
I’m not talking about today. This was Jerusalem and Judea as the author of Hebrews is writing to his audience. It is a time of increasing tension, political upheaval, and rising violence. Rome has forcefully appointed their own handpicked priests to serve in Jerusalem’s temple. They are, of course, corrupt and the Jews are livid. Angry young nationalists begin committing acts of terror, sparking Roman crackdowns. Then, a Roman procurator embezzles money from the temple’s bank accounts. When the news breaks protests erupt throughout the city. Jerusalem is a powder keg, and the fuse has just been lit.
For the Christians to whom the author is writing, the political situation is simply insult to injury. The persecution of Christians had already begun. Nero had already blamed the Christians for the burning of Rome. Paul, if he hasn’t already been executed, is languishing deep in the dungeons of Mamertine prison Rome. In Jerusalem, a prophetic oracle had spoken telling all the Christians to flee to a City of Refuge east of the Jordan River, a city named Pella. They listened. They fled, and it would ultimately mean the survival of the Jesus Movement.
Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty are the daily realities of any follower of Jesus. Rejected by Jews and despised by Rome, being a follower of Jesus was an invitation to suffering. For Jewish believers, there was the ever present temptation to simply renounce Jesus and return to the tradition they had known their entire lives. At least within Judaism there were still legal rights and social protections amidst the troubles. It was a matter of physical human survival.
Was being a follower of Jesus really worth it?
These are the people the author of Hebrews is addressing. It is possible that the Jewish believers now in Pella are his core audience. How easy it would be to simply walk away from the persecution, the threat suffering, and the constant fear. Just say, “I made a mistake. I don’t think I believe this Jesus stuff after all.”
If I place my feet into the sandals of a Jewish believer in Pella, the message of today’s chapter takes on an entirely new layer of meaning. The author is telling me that that the old order I’ve known my entire life, the religious tradition in which I was raised, is passing away. Jesus came to spiritually fulfill what the old order never could. Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, once for all, completed the work of spiritual redemption for everyone for all eternity. The old system is now obsolete.
“Don’t go back,” the author is gently pleading with his readers. “It may seem like a pragmatic choice in the moment, but there’s nothing for you back there. Old things have passed away. Trust the Story that Jesus gave us. Out of this chaos, new things are coming – eternal things which will make our momentary earthly afflictions pale in comparison.
Then the author weaves in Christ as the eternal God in a trinity of “appearances.”
God who was…
“But now once at the end of the ages He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” Hebrews 9:26
God who is…
“Christ has entered… into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” Hebrews 9:24
God who is yet to come…
“He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who eagerly wait for Him.” Hebrews 9:28
In the quiet this morning, I can’t help but find encouragement here in my own home office in a little city of refuge named Pella. In an hour or so I will sit with Wendy and we will peruse the headlines.
Political corruption. Nationalism zealously on the rise. Assassinations increasingly common. Political resentments. Religious fervor. Arrogance of the ruling class.
Within a few years of today’s chapter being penned, the author of Hebrews‘ readers would know for certain that he had been correct. Roman Legions would march on Jerusalem. The temple would be reduced to rubble, just as Jesus had prophesied. Jews would be scattered through the known world. All of the Jewish genealogical records required to determine who was a descendant of Aaron and therefore could be priest were utterly destroyed. The old sacrificial system was finished for good.
What remains?
A High Priest in heaven appearing right now in God’s presence to make intercession for me and you. One who will appear to bring salvation and redeem all things.
Like the believers in ancient Pella who first read the words of today’s chapter for the very first time, I just have to trust the Story.
If you know anyone who might be encouraged by today’s post, please share.
