Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2016 October 11

For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:18-24)

Today’s Morsel: We know that Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than his brother Cain, whereby he obtained witness that he was righteous.  The writer of Hebrews said that the Blood of Jesus and this New Testament plan of salvation speaks better than the offering of Abel.  We know that Abel gave a perfect sacrifice, but Jesus was better than Abel’s offering.  Because of the blood of Jesus, we can now come boldly to the throne of grace and find help in the time of need.  While Moses was on the mount, the children of Israel could not approach it nor come near lest they die.  The same was true with the tabernacle in the wilderness.  The only one who could go into the holy of all was the high priest, once a year, with blood for himself and the people.  But when Jesus was pierced in His side on Calvary, scripture says that the veil of the temple was rent from top to bottom giving all access to the mercy seat.  This is why we can come boldly.  And so the writer of Hebrews said that we have come to the general assembly and church of the firstborn.  Acts 2:38 puts us into this assembly and church of Jesus Christ, not of the latter day saints, but of the first day saints.   Aren’t you glad that you are in the church?

Sing: It’s the old ship of Zion, it’s the hope for the lost and dying, It’s a soul saving station, the tower of salvation.

Well it’s the “Church Triumphant” O’ Lord, and its built by the hand of the Lord.  I’m talking about the church in the Book of Revelation; it’s built on the Rock, it’s got a firm foundation; it’s been through the flood and it’s been through the fire, but one of these day the church is gonna move up higher.  It’s the church triumphant, O Lord, and it’s build by the hand of the Lord.

Thought For Today:  Calvary speaks of better things (Parker)