August 16,2021
Jesus, our High Priest, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens. Hebrews 7:24-26
In the days of the early Apostolic Church, the pure Gospel message was spreading in ever-widening circles. The life-changing, heart-renewing message reverberated throughout the known world.
And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:47b
This was, of course, an affront to Satan’s kingdom, so persecution arose. The secular Roman government was the main avenue through which the persecution was carried out. Feeding people to hungry lions was entertainment. To Satan’s dismay, the effect was only more growth for the kingdom of God! Satan then shifted his strategy to infiltration of the church, foreshadowed by the kiss of betrayal (Luke 22:48). Slowly, by degrees, Satan has worked to obliterate the memory and meaning of the foundational lessons taught in the tabernacle of meeting—or sanctuary—while claiming to bring honor to Christ. Beloved, let us steadfastly refuse to forget the beautiful illustration of the work of our Savior on our behalf. It is in the tabernacle that we see Jesus and His divine work of redemption! The work of separating a beloved sinner from his deadly sin involves a process that the enemy intends to interrupt at every turn. It is the process of sanctification. In these last days, there is an all-out attack on the sanctuary, in all of its facets.
In the sanctuary, the altar of incense enables us to better understand the role of Jesus as our High Priest, our divine Intercessor. This essential component of our salvation reminds us that it is to Him that we must go daily if we are to stay safely on the narrow and difficult way (Matthew 7:14). Yet, there is a counterfeit earthly system that has spread its tentacles to every country on earth. This religious system is seated exactly where the secular system of persecution was. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority (Revelation 13:2). Under the inspiration of Satan, this system has set itself up to intercept communication that should go only to Jesus. In essence, it commands its adherents to make an occasional confession to one of its priests, claiming power and authority to pronounce forgiveness. In vision, the prophet Daniel was shown this very situation: a little horn which grew exceedingly great . . . and it grew up to the host of heaven . . . he even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; and by him the daily [was] taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. Daniel 8:9-11
Jesus Christ is our only true Advocate, our High Priest, ministering on behalf of sinners in the heavenly sanctuary. Daily, take all of your struggles to Him, for He earnestly desires to listen and give you the counsel that will lead you as only the Good Shepherd leads!
“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins. Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; State your case, that you may be acquitted.” Isaiah 43:25-26