Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so. We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat. The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

In Idaho, potatoes rule. And one of the favorite potato foods is the French Fry. We actually have a restaurant dedicated to fries from many different potato varieties. They even have fries from purple potatoes.

Now one of the major rules of French fry eating is “No Double Dipping!” This is when there is a shared ketchup bowl (or other sauce) and someone dips a fry in, takes a bite, and then dips it in again and takes a bite. It is a way to pass germs and disgusts some people.

The writer of Hebrews here seriously calls out those Christian who are trying to “play church”; cozying up to the Jews in the area by observing their sacrificial rituals, when they know Jesus is the only sacrifice they need.

This is having one foot in either camp, and God despises this. They were double dipping in two different religons. It’s like having fry sauce and ketchup bowls and you dip your fry in both bowls before eating it. This would contaminate the products of both, right? This is what these Jews were caught doing here.

Listen to what Jesus told the church of Laodicea through John here: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.” (‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭18‬)

Instead of cozying up to the Jewish leaders who rejected Jesus, they should be set apart and, at times, boldly calling on them to repent and follow Jesus. He helps them to see this by pointing out their future hope. They are not to be focused on the earthly city, the positions of power, the wealth and acceptance of man. But rather on the heavenly city of God. And this is an eternal city!

Their sacrifices should be modeled after Jesus’ sacrifices: 1) Continuously praising God and being grateful for our life found in him, 2) Doing good. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬). 3) Sharing with those in need. Share money, share resources, share time, share your heart — be a giver of love and grace, and truth to people.

Lord, thank you for this very convicting passage. You desire for us to be sold-out for you, in a life that honors you. May you grow me in my ability to reflect your love and grace more and more!