Running the Race - Part 10

The lesson on June 19, 2022 was part 10 of the "Running the Race" study.  Wayne continues to show us how the book of Hebrews is appealing to the Jews to accept Jesus as their savior to lead them into the promised rest that was the better salvation that the nation was promised when they departed Egypt but was not received due to their unbelief.  Many scriptures are wrongly interpreted because they take instructions that was not intended for our hope today.  Israel's journey through the wilderness is a picture book of their journey to accept Jesus Christ as their captain to salvation and receive their heavenly blessing as "so great salvation" which is the reward that was promised to them.  Israel has a heavenly calling as pointed out in Heb. 3:1; 6:4; 8:5; 9:23; 11:16; and 12:22.  We looked at Israel's desire to rely on Moses vs. Jesus and how Paul addressed this comparing the Old Covenant with the New Covenant.  The parallel that we can take from Hebrews is the promise of life which is a gift, to the hope that is a reward received for faithful obedience.  We learned that our heavenly hope is the gospel of the unsearchable riches of Christ which when received, has a reward that is super celestial.  Completely and distinct from the promises and reward given to Israel.

The scripture reading was from Hebrews 5:1-10 KJV "1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. 3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec."