“and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” (Hebrews 12:24 ESV).
Not only is the new covenant sacrifice of Jesus “better” than the old one instituted under Moses, it is also “better” than the blood sacrifice offered by Abel. While Abel and Jesus have in common that both offered sacrifices acceptable by God and both were killed by their brothers, Christ’s sacrifice is better because both it and the One offering it are superior.
Jesus is the fulfillment of both Abel’s sacrifice and Moses’ mediation. Without His sacrifice, theirs would be without merit, for theirs is merely a check written by faith awaiting His future deposit.
The book of Hebrews is often called the “Book of Betters.” For it shows how Jesus is better in every way and in everything. It is this Jesus that you come “to” when you answer God’s call of salvation.
As the old hymn proclaims:
“I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands.
I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway.
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.”
PRAYER: Dear Father, we have seen and heard that Jesus is better and now we know it in our hearts. He is better than anything this world affords today. We choose Jesus. In His name, amen.