Promises Kept

9 Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. 2 For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place, 4 having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. 5 Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.
Hebrews 9:1–5

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Promises Kept
In the name of the Father and the +Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. The Lord gave regulations for worship. He established a place where the people would know he could be found. God told his people to come to him and lay before him their sorrows, their sins, and their needs. His Word promised his presence. So also now he promises his presence in Preaching and the Sacraments. His temple was a foretaste of the gilded streets of heaven and his Means of Grace are a foretaste of the eternal peace and comfort that Jesus won for you. They are not symbols. They are not mere remembrances. The Preaching is God’s Word. The Baptism is a life giving flood. The Lord’s Supper is the actual body and blood of Jesus laid down and shed for you. The Most Holy comes into you by way of your ears, your eyes, your mouth. Thanks be to God for his visitation among us and his promises kept. In the name of +Jesus. Amen.