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Weekly Devotional

Aug 13, 2012

God’s Peace be with you all.

Hebrews 8:1-6  Now the main point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,  ² a minister in the sanctuary and the true tent that the Lord, and not any mortal, has set up.  ³ For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; hence it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer.  ⁴ Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law.  ⁵ They offer worship in a sanctuary that is a sketch and shadow of the heavenly one; for Moses, when he was about to erect the tent, was warned, "See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain."  ⁶ But Jesus has now obtained a more excellent ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted through better promises. 

Our devotion today comes from Justin Martyr, one of the earliest Christians and theologians.  He lived from approximately 100-166AD, and the following comes from his Apology I, pg. 67.  This should give you a glimpse of “church life” from 1900 years ago…anything sound familiar, or different?  I hope you are able to reflect this week on why we do the things that we do when we too gather for worship.

Henceforward, we constantly remind one another of these things that Christ taught.  The rich among us come to the aid of the poor, and we always stay together.  For all the favors we enjoy we bless the Creator of all, through His Son Jesus Christ and through the Holy Spirit.  On the day which is called Sunday we have a common assembly of all who live in the cities or in the outlying districts, and the memoirs of the Apostles or the writings of the Prophets are read, as long as there is time.  Then, when the reader has finished, the president of the assembly verbally admonishes and invites all to imitate such examples of virtue.  Then we all stand up together and offer our prayers, and after we finish our prayers, bread and wine and water are presented.  He who presides likewise offers up prayers and thanksgiving, to the best of his ability, and the people express their approval by saying “Amen.”  The Eucharistic elements are distributed and consumed by those present, and to those who are absent, they are sent through the deacons.  The wealthy contribute whatever they desire, and the collection is placed in the custody of the president.  With it he helps the orphans and widows, those who are needy, and the captives and strangers in our midst; in short, he takes care of all those in need.

In our prayers this week:  Bobby, Ann, Jim A., Wayne C., Mike C., and Doris

God’s Peace,