Marsha's Musings: Jesus is The Fulfillment of the Shadow (Hebrews 8:3-7 ESV)

For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. 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 8:3-7 ESV)

Here is the first key phrase in this passage:

"They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things."

The earthly priests were only copies and shadows of what was to come.  Since Christ has come, there is no longer a need for priests to serve as shadows and copies of what was to come.

The second key phrase is this:

"...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."

What Christ came to do is far more excellent and better then what the earthly priests did or do.  Again, there is no need for them.  Christ is the fulfillment of what they were forshadowing.

It is such a comfort knowing that I have a Priest Who is always available.  I don't have to go to a building to confess my sins or have intercession on my behalf.  Jesus Christ is always available no matter where I am at, always interceeding on my behalf before the Father.