“In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.”

New replaces old. That is the way it is whether it is a car or a law. When we change one thing for another that signifies that the original or first thing is no longer paramount. Our writer through the Holy Spirit uses the strong word, obsolete. Obsolete, without power or value. That which is obsolete is without power. If the law prohibits marijuana use I can be arrested for using it. But if the law is replaced by a new law that says marijuana is legal then I can’t be arrested for using it.

In the time period of the writing of Hebrews, the news of the changing of the covenant was slowly making its way across the world. Everywhere the news went the old covenant went out of effect. Soon it would cross the entire world and when it did there would be one new covenant for all mankind.

That has long since happened. While the old covenant can still be read it has no effect. It is a useful tool in education but it is not valid as a rule of life.

Task for Today: Remember that you live under the time period of the new covenant which God nows enjoins as His only covenant with the people of the world. You are subject to the rules and regulations of that covenant. If you reject it you are without a covenant relationship with God and without God you are without hope in this world and without the promise of the world to come.