Look Ma, No Hands!

Hebrews 9:1-12
     Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. For a tent was constructed, the first one, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the bread of the Presence; this is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a tent called the Holy of Holies. In it stood the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which there were a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy-seat. Of these things we cannot speak now in detail.

     Such preparations having been made, the priests go continually into the first tent to carry out their ritual duties; but only the high priest goes into the second, and he but once a year, and not without taking the blood that he offers for himself and for the sins committed unintentionally by the people. By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the sanctuary has not yet been disclosed as long as the first tent is still standing. This is a symbol of the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshipper, but deal only with food and drink and various baptisms, regulations for the body imposed until the time comes to set things right.

     But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.

Reflections:

     I have continued to enjoy the surprising relevance of a daily lectionary (already chosen Bible text) for whatever is going on in my life. Earlier this week the Women's Bible study had some questions for me about the temple Ezekiel was envisioning and its connection the future temple visions of other parts of the Bible, namely the Revelation to John. I pointed to the reality of the newest temple being Jesus' body. This text seemed to say, yes, and don't forget about this angle!

     So, being "not made with hands" struck me as a powerful addition to the new covenant reality of God in Jesus. So very much in this modern world is human made. We might have thought of plants and animals, but it also specifies "not of this creation." This is not a proud moment of riding a bicycle without hands ("Look Ma, no hands!") or anything like that. This is totally with human effort. Jesus abides with us and is the

perfect celebrant of all that might come before God's mercy seat. We don't make a building, temple, or tent for Jesus. We don't contribute anything for Jesus to be able, willing, and ready to issue a return to oneness with God.

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

I thank you for going before me and being ready for me even when I am not. Thank you for waiting while I was protesting or confused. You are always before me and already loving me and caring for all of us. I lift up into your care all those who are in need... I pray also for all the things that I have messed up with my human hands... I am also thinking of the big mess of human-caused climate change. Lord, help us. Please lead and be with those who govern and rule gathering in the summits so that all your people will come together to slow our consumptive pollution and give love and care back to your beautiful Creation. In the Name of the great High Priest of all, I pray. Amen.