The Real Deal

There is a strip of stores in downtown San Jose, Costa Rica where a person can buy “knock-off” products. These are items made in such a way as to appear like the original name brand product. At first glance, it appears to be the actual name brand item. With a closer look, you can see slight differences and the quality is rarely as good as the original. When you hold the original next to a “knock-off” you can see which is made by the original manufacturer and which is made by other hands. 

For me this brings to mind Hebrews 9:11 where Jesus is described as a high priest of a greater and more perfect tabernacle. In the Old Testament, the tabernacle and later the temple were built by men inspired by God’s design. These structures were used to facilitate a relationship between God and man through the law, offerings, and sacrifices. A lot of sacrifices. All of this was necessary because an imperfect man was not capable of maintaining a relationship with a perfect God. 

           Thankfully God had another plan. The first tabernacle and temple were just “knockoffs” of a better tabernacle that God will build with His own hands. This tabernacle will be perfect unlike the others that were made by human hands. The high priest of this perfect tabernacle is Jesus who died and rose again to give us the opportunity for imperfect people to have a relationship with perfect God. I am so thankful for this perfect plan and this perfect tabernacle made by the hands that created EVERYTHING. As you enjoy your special day and thank others for their gifts and well wishes, I pray that you remember to give thanks to the One who makes all things. The One who made you, me, and a perfect way to dwell with Him forever through His son Jesus Christ. God’s grace is the real deal. Everything else is just a “knock-off”. God Bless.

Frank Hynson 

  ’80 / ’94  San Jose Costa Rica