who is serving

So then the first covenant had regulations for the priests’ service and the holy place on earth. ² They pitched the first tent called the holy place. It contained the lampstand, the table, and the loaves of bread presented to God. ³ There was a tent behind the second curtain called the holy of holies. ⁴ It had the gold altar for incense and the chest containing the covenant, which was covered with gold on all sides. In the chest there was a gold jar containing manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. ⁵ Above the chest there were magnificent winged creatures casting their shadow over the seat of the chest, where sin is taken care of. Right now we can’t talk about these things in detail. ⁶ When these things have been prepared in this way, priests enter the first tent all the time as they perform their service. ⁷ But only the high priest enters the second tent once a year. He never does this without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins the people committed in ignorance. ⁸ With this, the Holy Spirit is showing that the way into the holy place hadn’t been revealed yet while the first tent was standing. ⁹ This is a symbol for the present time. It shows that the gifts and sacrifices that are being offered can’t perfect the conscience of the one who is serving. ¹⁰ These are superficial regulations that are only about food, drink, and various ritual ways to wash with water. They are regulations that have been imposed until the time of the new order. ¹¹ But Christ has appeared as the high priest of the good things that have happened. He passed through the greater and more perfect meeting tent, which isn’t made by human hands (that is, it’s not a part of this world). ¹² He entered the holy of holies once for all by his own blood, not by the blood of goats or calves, securing our deliverance for all time. (Hebrews 9:1-12, CEB)

I was struck by this sentence as I read this passage today, “It shows that the gifts and sacrifices that are being offered can’t perfect the conscience of the one who is serving.”

The one who is serving here is speaking about the priest or the pastor. And the gifts being offered can’t perfect the conscience of them. Meaning our leaders are flawed and need the sacrifice of Jesus just like everyone else. This tells me something I already knew. I know I’m flawed and no where near perfect. But this passage makes it clear that God doesn’t see the leaders as perfect and knows we all need help.

Share God’s love with everyone, even those that lead you.

Loving People. Loving God.