Thursday, November 5

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2020


"And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life." (Hebrews 7:15,16)


Hebrews holistically introduces the special place of the Lord Jesus Christ in much of its first nine chapters, before turning to practical exhortations in Chapters 10, 12, and 13 and the great "Hall of Faith" chapter in No. 11. The author first establishes Jesus's superiority to the angels and to Moses before turning to Christian duty to continued maturity and perseverance. Chapters 7, 8, and 9 delve into the uniqueness and permanence of Jesus's priesthood.

In Hebrews 6 and 7, the author introduces the strong connections between Melchizedek and Jesus, both of whom served as kings and priests. As with Melchizedek, Jesus received his position not through the Levitical line, but rather due to God's establishing Him as the Great High Priest. Some commentators have noted that Melchizedek may serve as a preview of the Lord Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews notes that Jesus's line, through Judah, did not tie to the Levitical priesthood. Nonetheless, God had ordained Him to serve as the only all-sufficient Mediator: "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.... " (1 Timothy 2:5)

Jesus can serve as an appropriate Priest due to His identity as both God and man. He has completed what God requires as payment for sin through offering Himself on the Cross. Through Him alone can we experience fullness of life and forgiveness.

Titus 3:3-7 describes the transformation that Jesus has created for us: "At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."


Lord God, thank You for sending Your Son to serve as our Great High Priest. Help us to understand and recognize the depth of our lostness from You apart from the intervention of Christ. Give us perspective of the awesomeness of Jesus's sacrifice on our behalf. Give us opportunity to partner with You in making other disciples. Heal our land, O God, as we desperately need You. In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.


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