If you are reading through the Bible using my Bible Reading plan, you recently finished reading Leviticus and are now reading Hebrews. You might be wondering why I jumped from Leviticus to Hebrews (yes, I organized the schedule according to my own preferences). Granted, I wanted to alternate between the Old and New Testaments. This makes reading through the Bible more interesting. There is a much more immediate reason, though, that makes Hebrews the logical next book after Leviticus (it also is serendipitous that Hebrews begins right after Easter).

          These two books are intimately related. Leviticus is a detailed account of duties and expectations of the priests in Israel. Hebrews is the detailed, precise explanation of how and why Jesus is the fulfillment of Leviticus. This book is rife with verses that reveal and illustrate this truth, such as

Hebrews 2:17

For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.

and Hebrews 1:3

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

          Easter marks the day Jesus’ work was completed and validated, when he began His new work, as outlined in Hebrews, as our High Priest. As you read through Hebrews this month, I hope you see Him and His work, in the world and most particularly in your life, in a vibrant new way.