Devo: Outer Courts People

A couple weeks ago, I shared some thoughts on Hebrews 6:19 with my church. I keep going back to it, so I thought I’d share it here as well.

Hebrews 6:19

We have this hope as an anchor for our souls. It leads us through the courts into God’s inner sanctuary.

In our 21st century world, I think we miss the best part of this verse. I think we miss something early readers of Hebrews were intrigued by, surprised by, and maybe even amazed by.

You see, the second half of that verse, It leads us through the courts into God’s inner sanctuary is referencing the tabernacle - something first century Jews who were reading these words were quite familiar with.

If you’ve read through the Old Testament you’re likely familiar with the tabernacle as well. It was kind of the precursor to the temple. It was the place where God’s presence rested and where His people worshiped. The difference though, is the tabernacle had three distinct sections, with very clear rules.

Section one was the Outer Courts. The Outer Courts was where any Israelite could worship. Section Two, the Inner Courts, was only to be entered by the priestly tribe. Section three, was the Holy of Holies. The Holy of Holies was only to be entered once a year, by one man: The High Priest. And it was sectioned off by a curtain.

So when the early readers of Hebrews heard that they could get through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary, they would have been astounded! They had never been allowed to enter into the presence of God before that time! Only the high priest could do that!

The words of Hebrews 6:19 changed everything! These weren’t priests reading these words, these were commoners. These were people like you and me. These were outer courts people. This should astound every one of us, because we too are outer courts people!

We are outer courts people, but because of Jesus we are invited into the Holy of Holies!