Read: Hebrews 7:11-28
But on the other hand, a better hope is introduced. (v. 19)
When I was in college, I worked at a camp for elementary school students. Each week the counselors would put on a skit teaching the basic rules for the week. We’d find clever ways to explain why campers weren’t allowed to climb trees or had to wear shoes around camp. We would act out, with plenty of exaggeration and humor, the worst-case scenario of breaking any of the rules. We wanted to point the kids in the right direction so they would have a safe and fun week at camp.
In the Old Testament, God gave the people laws to follow in order to help them find their way. But the laws can’t make us better people—they can only point us in the right direction. The rules of camp are for the campers’ own good. So too, God sets down rules because God desires each person he created to thrive. And God knows how we should act in order to thrive.
Today’s passage reminds us that rules are not about rules. Rules are about flourishing. And we have a better hope than being able to perfectly keep all of the rules. Our hope is in Jesus Christ. We still try to live the way God wants us to live. But when we make mistakes, we can trust that all is not lost. We still belong to Jesus. And, since I’m not very good at keeping rules, this is very good news!
As you pray, ask the Lord to bring you back to him when you lose your way.
About the Author
Jennifer Petersen is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America.
