Everything Made New

“Whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is about to disappear.”—Hebrews 8:13 NASB

The Bible makes clear that Jesus came to do something new. He came to make a complete change. The old had to disappear. It was not fixable but had become obsolete. Everything about the old law had to be replaced. Everything associated with it was just “a copy and shadow of the heavenly things” (Hebrews 8:5).

Jesus Himself was a “priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 5:6). He came to provide a different arrangement, a different order of things, and a new way to approach life.

Jesus introduced “a new and living way” (Hebrews 10:9–20). Under this new covenant, the focus was not on rituals and regulations but on a change that would take place in the heart. The objective would not be trying to force people to live according to external laws but making it possible for their hearts to change. The focus was on the internal.

The life and ministry of Jesus lead to a new kind of relationship with God, defined by faith. As we live by faith, we are to draw strength from His example. And we can imitate the faith of those who have lived before us (Hebrews 13:7).

Remember to fix your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) who is “the same yesterday and today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). You can have a new perspective as you focus not on laws, rules, and rituals, but on Jesus.

Reflection Question: Where are you focused currently? Do you need to realign your priorities?