Shadows and Copies

'They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, "See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain." But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second. '

Hebrews 8:5-7

This passage brought to mind Plato's allegory of the cave.  In that exercise Plato painted a vivid picture of prisoners chained to the wall, watching shadows. In that vein, I thought of someone dying of thirst. They see the shadow of a person pouring a tall glass of water.  The person offers them a sip from the glass, but the projected shadow of the glass cannot offer any refreshment.  It only adds to their frustration as a visible reminder of something that exists tantalisingly out of reach.  Until the thirsty soul turns from the shadow and comes to the source there can be no relief.

In the same way, Christ is the High Priest that can minister offerings with true power.  His ministry is not a powerless projection but instead the only one capable of reaching God.  Through him God's wrath is satisfied and our sins are forgiven.  How beautiful!

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