“We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat.” Hebrews 13:9–10
Lord Jesus, this verse is like the expectant mother who went into delivery expecting one baby and gave birth to triplets—make that quintuplets. But isn’t that just like the whole Bible? There’s always more of you in every passage of Scripture. There’s nothing more than the Gospel, just more of it. There is no one worthy of our full love and trust than you, Jesus; there’s just more of you for us to see, savor, and share with others.
Feasting is the theme of this verse—along with a good bit of paradox and grace. Those who served in Isreal’s tabernacle and temple were given protected privileges to enter holy space, handle holy things, and feast on the fruit of multiple sacrifices from the people. But there is one table and one meal that no amount of religious status and pomp entitled them. Your table, Jesus; your meal which celebrates your finished work, empty tomb, and resurrection life.
So, who now has perpetual access into the holy of holies? Who gets to come to the heavenly altar which only accepts a sacrifice of praise? Who is invited—even subpoenaed to feast on the bread and wine of your perfect sacrifice and finished work? Only those needy enough and humble enough get to come, for it is a feast of mercy and grace. Hallelujah! The only thing that gives us the right to eat at this “alter” is the gift of your perfect righteousness—with which you have clothed, enriched, and blessed us. Another loud Hallelujah!
Jesus, we could never earn, deserve, or inherit the Gospel. It is 100% pure grace. It is 100% you. We are like Remy in Ratatouille, little league bat boys called up to the Majors, Cinderella married to the Prince of Glory. Our only claim and boast is you, Jesus. Hallelujah what a Savior! Hallelujah what a salvation. So Very Amen.
