Pastor Craig Carter

North Kent Community Church

1480 Indian Lakes Rd. • Sparta, MI 49345

Heb 12:24: “And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that better things…” – KJV

In light of the current election and all the other stress we cannot help but feel going on in our country, I am reminded of a simple thing my mother used to share with me when I was a child and struggling with whatever life was bringing me at that moment. She would say, “Everything will be ok, son, and things will get better.” Things usually did get better and it was often a change in my perspective. I will share some Scripture that promises us “better” things. Things may or may not get better, but as Christians, we remain hopeful because a God who loves us always has our best or better interest in mind.

Better Things

We see according the Hebrews 12:24, that the blood of Jesus Christ speaks “better things” than the blood of Abel. You may remember this story about two brothers named Cain and Abel. Unfortunately, Cain allowed his heart to become hardened towards God and his brother, and thought the answer to his rejection was to kill his brother. Ever since, Abel’s blood has “spoken from the ground” it was spilled on. It has cried out for justice. The good news is that Jesus’ blood shed at Calvary speaks of better things. It says there is mercy, forgiveness, and hope. It says, although we deserved justice, He was willing to give us better. If that is not better, I do not know what is!

Better Hope

Hebrews 7:19 says, “For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.” The blood of Jesus Christ provided a better Hope. A Hope not simply founded in the wishes and dreams of our own life, or current circumstances, but on the life of Jesus Christ. It permits us to “draw close to God.” To have a relationship with the one who tells us that nothing we experience or face in life, will ever leave us hopeless. Hope always makes things better.

Better Promises

Heb 8:1-6  says, “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.”  The blood of Jesus provided the assurance of “better promises.” We have the blessing of the New Testament, full of wonderful promises to those who believe them. My favorite is found in Hebrews 12:5. This verse promises that God will “never leave you and never forsake you.”

Better and Enduring Substance

Heb 10:34 states,  “For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.” What a blessing to know that the blood of Jesus purchased eternal things.  We live a life so focused on temporal things. Things that never provide the love, joy, peace and assurance we are looking for. Yet, through Christ, we have a better and enduring substance; one full of eternal assurances. That is why we are encouraged as Christians to “store up things” in heaven where moth and rust can not corrupt.

Better Country

Heb 11:16 reads, “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” This verse speaks of our eternal home called heaven. A place where Jesus said he went to prepare for us; a place where all those who have received salvation through the shed blood of Jesus will go when they die. A place where every tear will be wiped away and joy and peace will be ours for eternity. Now, this place is clearly better than the alternative—a place that we do not often talk about, but is real none-the-less—a place called Hell. A place of eternal separation from God, where no joy or peace will ever be found.  That’s why I desire the “better country.” How about you?  It’s simple to go there. Just thank Jesus for shedding His blood for your sins. Tell Him you are sorry for thinking other things are “better” and receive Him into your life.