A Better Way

But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on a better promise. | Hebrews 8:6 (NLT)

My mama always says, “Rules without relationship equals rebellion.” I think that’s why Jesus became our High Priest. We had no access to the Father before Jesus. Rules never have the power to redeem; only relationship can do that. Religion was a regiment of rules instead of an invitation to grace, but then Jesus entered the scene. Jesus rewrote the script so that reconciliation became our reality. No more measuring, no more counting, and no more weighing. He made a better way.

Jesus doesn’t tell us to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and He won’t urge you to suck it up. In fact, He draws near to those who don’t measure up (Psalm 34:18; Matthew 5:3). He tore down the barriers that stood in our way, giving us a straight shot to the heart of the Father. In Matthew 11:29-30, Jesus says, “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

There are two kinds of yokes: the yoke of slavery and the yoke of freedom. We get to choose which one we pick up. The yoke of slavery is full of weighty rules that never end, but Jesus promised that the yoke of freedom would be better, lighter, and sweeter. There’s one thing I know: Jesus keeps His word.

In what way does freedom change how you live your life?