A few years ago, I had a job as a physical education assistant for a few hours each day. The boss at that time would not let us sit during those hours. It is amazing how much toll it takes on a body. Back, feet, and knees all suffered enough to make me quit in the middle of the year. Looking back, I can see God in all of it for various reasons. I never understood the reasoning as to why we had to stand, but stand we did.
Hebrews 10:11 says: Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
So, in the old law before Jesus freed us, the priests had to stand for hours to perform his duties. I wonder if any of them ever thought it was all for naught? Perhaps one priest who knew his people would think, “Why am I doing this? He/she is just going to sin again. What good am I doing standing here with my feet and back aching?”
Hebrews 10:12 says: But when this priest (Jesus) had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. (I added Jesus’s name.)
When Jesus came as our High Priest, He didn’t have to stand anymore. He finished the job of forgiveness and sat down by God, His Father.
Isn’t it wonderful to think about and know Jesus is sitting by the Father talking about us? Helping us? Interceding for us?
I love to read the story of Stephen in Acts 7. Not because of his death by stoning, but because of verse 55. It says: But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
Jesus was standing! He stood up! When Stephen was dying for standing up for Jesus, Jesus stood up too!
Do you think Jesus has ever been standing for you and me?
