It has got to be one of the most commonly asked questions between two people who have just met and start to engage in small talk, “What do you do for a living?” It’s usually a good starting point. Has a way of providing some basic information about an individual and can often be a launching point for further conversation . . . especially if the guy or gal says they are a NASA astronaut . . . or something like that. As I hover over the first few verses of Hebrews 8 (1-6) this morning I’m imaging what the conversation might sound like with the Savior . . . though the question wouldn’t necessarily be “What do you do for a living?” but instead, “What do you do for THE living?” . . .

My Lord has a dual-role (actually He wears many hats . . . but for the purposes of this passage, it’s focused on two). He is a Minister and He is a Mediator . . . His job-title is High Priest. His workplace is the sanctuary and true tabernacle erected by God and His desk is located at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heavens (8:1-2).

He is the Minister of the heavenly sanctuary. Having offered Himself as the once-forever blood sacrifice for sin . . . having defeated death through His resurrection on the third day after His crucifixion . . . He is uniquely qualified to serve in that place where the holiness and glory of God dwells . . . He, Himself, being God . . . very God. Just as the priests of Levi where to bring the knowledge of God to man and the gifts of man to God, He ever lives to be the means and catalyst for a man to know and experience a living relationship with God the Creator.

He is the Mediator of a better covenant established on better promises (8:6b). He is the Arbitrator of the covenant of grace . . . the “arrangement” He manages is one of unmerited favor . . . one based on the nature of who He is and what He has done . . . dependent in no way on our merit . . . requiring only faith for it to be put into effect. The foundation for this covenant of grace is a better set of promises . . . because they are God-dependent only . . . because their fulfillment transcends things of earth and are found in possessing every blessing in heavenly places (Eph. 1:3).

In short, my Lord has obtained “a more excellent ministry” (8:6a).

He is perfect for the position. He is uniquely qualified for the role. He is God . . . and He has taken on flesh, knowing what it is to be fully human . . . as such, He is the perfect High priest.

He loves His job . . . because He loves His people. For the joy set before Him, our salvation, He endured the cross, despised it’s shame, and became the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:1). Now, at God’s right hand, it is His joy to intercede on our behalf. It is His desire to present us as His bride, without spot or wrinkle, before the Father (Eph. 5:27). It is His anticipation to host us one day at marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9). Even now He’s preparing a place for us, that we might one day be with Him eternally (John 14:2-3).

In the meantime . . . He is Minister of the sanctuary . . . He is Mediator of the better covenant . . . He is engaged in a most excellent ministry.

For my benefit . . . for my blessing . . for my future . . . worthy of my worship and consecration . . . and for His glory alone . . . amen?