December 24th, 2021—Hebrews 8

The author of Hebrews quotes Jeremiah 31:31–34 to show that Christ had fulfilled what God had planned all along. The old covenant of the Old Testament was good, but only because it was a shadow of what was to come. It was set in stone, having no life of its own. Its deficiency was that it depended upon human effort, which can never do enough to achieve the righteousness of God. But with the new high priesthood of Jesus consecrated by His sacrifice, a new covenant came into being. It is written directly on the heart, made alive by the presence of the Holy Spirit. The way to restoration has been opened to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus, whose blood sealed this promise (Matthew 26:28). Thanks to Him and Him alone, we have a hope that never fades and is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22–24). We can depend upon His ministry on our behalf, in which He is always present before the Father to ensure our forgiveness. That is why we worship Him.