An approachable throne

Peter Neilson April 25, 2026 2 1

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Hebrews 8: 1-6 (NIV-UK)

1 Now the main point of what we are saying is this: we do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being.

3 Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. 4 If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. 5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: ‘See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.’ 6 But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.

“If he were on earth, he would not be a priest... the ministry he has received is… superior to theirs...” (verses 4, 8)

You would think that Jesus was the best qualified person in the world to be a priest, but he renders priesthood obsolete by leading us past Temples and altars into the very presence of God. He is the “mediator”, the go-between who makes the introductions to our Father. At the beginning of this letter, we are given a picture of Jesus before the Father saying, “Here I am, and the children God has given me”. (Hebrews 2:13) There can be no greater introduction. No other is needed.

After a week of kneeling before our Lord, it is time to stand up and stand tall in the presence of our Father, proudly in the company of our Elder Brother. He is proud of us and we are proud of Him. We hold our heads high as sons and daughters of the Father.

The old temples fade away like shadows before the rising sun. This is the Ultimate Reality where the whole redemptive story of Jesus – his birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension – reaches its climax. The journey is over. We are home. Stand and celebrate with all the company of heaven.

Prayer:

Jesus, forgive our obsession with religious trappings

That are but passing shadows of what is yet to be.

Standing here with You in Father’s presence

Is all I want and all I need. AMEN