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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise The author of Hebrews said, “The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he [Jesus] holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever” (Heb 7:23–24). I praise you today for a great high priest who lives forever! He is able to save me to the uttermost as I draw near to you through him, since he always lives to make intercession for me (Heb 7:25). Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you shared with me the second part of Hebrews, an anonymous letter to the Christian community in Rome. Having introduced the theme of Jesus as high priest, the author continued by saying that Jesus was a priest after the order of Melchizedek (Heb 5:10). He was about to explain the significance of this truth, when he paused and rebuked his readers for their sluggish hearing (Heb 5:11). They knew the truth, but they were no longer responding in obedience to your voice. This teaches me the importance of consistent obedience to your Word, for if I become negligent and indifferent to the Spirit’s guidance, I will regress into immaturity, unfruitfulness, and finally, apostasy. I must submit to your will and allow the Spirit to carry me forward to maturity. I should be able to teach others the basics of the Christian faith, and I should be training my powers of discernment to distinguish good from evil (Heb 5:12–6:2). If I refuse to do this—if I reject your grace and turn from you—I am crucifying once again the Son of God to my shame and holding him up to public ridicule. Indeed, it is impossible for those who have fallen away to be restored to repentance, as long as they are willfully resisting your grace and rejecting the cleansing sacrifice of Christ (Heb 6:4–6). Lord, keep me from such unbelief! At this point, the author softened his tone and told his readers, “Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation” (Heb 6:9). Your promise and oath are a sure and steadfast hope, and by these two unchangeable things, I have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope that is set before me. This hope is founded on your Son, Jesus Christ. He is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek, a priesthood which is superior to the priesthood of Levi. Jesus took his office by your oath—the Levitical priests did not. Jesus continues in his priestly role forever—the Levitical priests all died. Jesus lived a sinless life—the Levitical priests all sinned. Jesus offered himself once for all—the Levitical priests offered animals over and over. This clearly shows that Jesus’ priesthood is better than the Levitical priesthood. Not only that, but Jesus’ ministry is better, his covenant is better, his blood is better, and his sacrifice is better. Through him, I have a better hope, a better promise, a better possession, a better country, a better resurrection, and a better privilege. Hallelujah! Jesus Christ is better! He is the fulfillment of your promise-plan for the redemption of mankind (Gen 3:15), and he is the true form of the spiritual realities spoken of in your law. When he had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at your right hand, waiting for you to make his enemies a footstool for his feet (Heb 10:12–13). Glory to God! Reflection You said that your desire for me is that I not be negligent, but instead be an imitator of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Heb 6:11–12). Am I living up to your will for my life? Am I being earnest and diligent to obey your voice and follow your Spirit’s leading? Request Father, help me to honor and glorify the wonderful sacrifice of your precious Son. I want to follow in his steps by fearing you and holding fast to the hope that is set before me. Thanksgiving How grateful I am to know that Jesus sympathizes with my weaknesses! He was in every respect tempted as I am, yet without sin. Through him, I can draw near your throne of grace to find help in time of need. Praise the Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Nothing but the Blood” – Robert Lowry. Meditation Verse: Hebrews 9:14. |