Hebrews 13 (4)

Introduction
An easy to overlook aspect of ancient Israelite sacrifices is that they were eaten by the people who brought them and the priests and Levites who offered them. As the sweet savor of the sacrifices rose upwards to God, the people ate their portion, thus symbolizing their being reconciled to God by “having a meal” with Him. The refuse from those sacrifices was carried outside the camp and dumped, symbolizing the putting away of our sins. For a while. How much better and more satisfying is the altar where we feed on the body and blood of Christ.

Read 1 Samuel 2.12-17.

Read Hebrews 13.10-13.

Think it through.
1.  To what “altar” is the writer referring in verse 10? Why is it that those who insist on continuing in the old faith “have no right” to this altar? In what ways is the Lord’s Supper like the sacrifices of ancient Israel? In what ways is it different and better? What does this suggest about the frame of mind and heart we should nurture as we come to the Lord’s table?

2.  In the old offerings, the burned and wasted parts of the sacrifice were carried outside the camp to the garbage dump. They were “despised” because they symbolized the sins of the people, which were being taken away. How did Jesus fulfill this image in His own sacrifice? By crucifying Jesus “outside the camp” the people who crucified Him heaped reproach on Him. They insinuated that He was like the garbage that was thrown out from the sacrifices. And they were right. Explain. Why is it a good thing He was? Why should we be willing to bear “His reproach” from the world?

Meditate.
The body of the beasts was an example for our Lord, and our Lord is an example for us, so that ‘we may go forth outside the camp,’ that is, go out and become evangelists of his preaching, ‘and bear the abuse he endured.’” Ephrem the Syrian (306-373AD)

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5.20, 21

Lord Jesus, thank You for bearing my sins away forever. Help me to bear Your reproach as often as I must, so that…

Pray Psalm 125.
Thank the Lord for breaking the rule of wickedness in your life, and seek His help to keep you from reaching out your hands to iniquity or turning aside to crooked ways. 

Psalm 125.1-5 (St. Gertrude: Onward, Christian Soldiers)
All who trust in Jesus, strong as Zion stand!
Naught shall ever move them from their promised land!
Like the hills surrounding safe Jerusalem, 
Christ surrounds His Church and holds her in His mighty Hand!
Refrain, v. 1
All who trust in Jesus, strong as Zion stand!
Naught shall ever move them from their promised land!

Wickedness shall rest not on this holy land; 
Sinfulness shall never come forth from their hand.  
Trusting in the Savior, firm in His caress, 
Ever shall His favor on this holy city rest. 
Refrain

Lord, do good and care for those upright in heart. 
All who turn to evil shall from You depart. 
Sinful men may increase; send them, Lord, to hell!
Save Your people, let your peace abound in Israel!
Refrain

T. M Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.