March 5, 2010

Hebrews 8

For two reasons, I am going to focus on a verse early in the chapter. The first: I have gotten into a habit of choosing a verse from the end of a chapter which, in the Teen Study Bible I'm reading from, is divided into a separate, smaller section presumably not as important as the bulk. The second: I really can't do any more justice to the "new covenant" stuff than verbatim (from what I can remember) of the stuff I've heard all of my life.

I got to admit, it grabbed me. "They offer worship in a sanctuary that is a sketch and shadow of hte heavenly one: for Moses, when he was about to make erect the tent, was warned, 'See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.'" Hebrews 8:5. Imagine, a diagram of heaven.

The Middle Ages had all kinds of them within the Order of Creation, and I'm sure they're everywhere. What I immediately thought of, of course, was the stuff I'm studying as research for the Witches Scene I'm about to do for a class project. There are all these drawings you do on the floor for a conjuring spell (of good or bad spirits apparently) that reminded me of a miniature layout of the order of the world as that religion sees it.

Under that theory, the Ark of God had its proper place within a diarama of the creation with its very specific tent.

Cool.

We've got something better.

People who believe in other faiths don't have the gifts we do. The parallels just aren't there - a God who died for us, who limited Himself and became human, who became the Son of Man, a him. A singular man. Even within the Christian faith - the chance to become one with God Himself every day if we so choose, to see Him descend and transform again into as humble a substance as a piece of bread. To go to heaven and back again fifteen minutes later - all while still on Earth.

And all of it free. No elaborate rituals or years of fasting and solitude or even great works to occur afterwards required. Show up at Church and see God work His wonders. Right there, in the true sanctuary, Heaven on Earth. Not a simulacrum, not a symbol or even a mini-cosmos drawn on the floor.

Heaven is here. Waiting. No questions asked. Come as you are.

Wow.