The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man. Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already men who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises.

Hebrews 8:1-6 (NIV)

A few years ago, I was really attracted to a young lady named Teresa. She was most definitely out my league, but I couldn’t stop thinking about her. Everything about her was lovely. Her smile, her laugh, her gestures, her hair, well, you probably know what I mean. The problem was that after a few weeks of getting to know each other, I had scared her off. So, I started working through a mediator, her best friend, Diane.

Diane and I were friends and she represented my interests well with Teresa. She would talk to her about me and suggest that Teresa consider getting to know me better. Each time after Diane and I would strategize, I would anxiously await an “update” to see how I was being received by the one I loved. I eventually married Teresa and now I have the personal enjoyment of knowing that I can present my own gifts and requests in person, and the assurance of a covenant vow that she will never stop loving me.

The text we are considering above moves from the person who is our high priest to the work of our high priest. Contrasted with the priesthood of Aaron, Jesus does a “better” work. He occupies the real sanctuary, secures and negotiates a better arrangement for knowing and loving God. The practical difference has to do with the level of communication/intimacy and confidence in relationship with God we can now enjoy.

If I were to go back to treating Teresa like we were first getting to know each other, I would hurt and offend her terribly. Once we have drawn near to God through the one time self-sacrifice of Jesus, we hurt Him terribly by acting as if we hardly know Him. However, we often find ourselves judging others instead of pleading for their lives before the throne of grace. We tend to manage money, time, and relationships for our own benefit rather than His. We spend our lives trying to make a name for ourselves and “building a future” rather than blessing His name and announcing His Kingdom. In short, we relate to Jesus much like we did before we were united with Him.

Although he will allow us to wallow in self-pity and wonder why life is so hard (discipline), His love will never be a question.  Like the loving parent or the compassionate friend, He is ready to take us back, clean us up, and heal our self-inflicted wounds.  He only waits to hear our cry, the plea of one He loves, the prayer of an intimate friend.

Are you resting in His love?  Are you knowing His embrace?  Do you need to confess and repent of treating the lover of your soul like a stranger?