For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer.
--Hebrews 8:3 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on September 29, 2013 of Proverbs 8:22-31; Hebrews 8; Isaiah 28-29.
Continuing with his proof that Jesus is superior in His person and as our true High Priest over Mosaic Law (please see "Our Sympathetic High Priest"), the author of the letter to the Hebrews paints a brief portrait of Melchizedek and the preeminence of his priesthood. Melchizedek was the King of Salem (and here "Salem" translates "Peace"). He was also a "priest of the Most High God" (please see Hebrews 7:1), appointed directly by God. He blessed Abraham and Abraham gave him one tenth of the spoils from his recent battle (Genesis 14:18-20). This recognition from Abraham, our author notes, shows just how important Melchizedek was considered. This act foreshadows Mosaic Law where all descendants of Abraham (except those of the house of Levi) are required to tithe to the Levite priests so they could serve God. Even though his genealogy could not in any way be traced to the house of Levi, Melchizedek received a tithe from the father of the entire nation of Israel.
Our author then takes the authority and legitimacy of the priesthood of Melchizedek and combines it with Psalm 110, in which David relates a conversation God has with the One accepted as the Christ, with Jesus. In this, God recognizes the Son as being "a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek" (Psalm 110:4). Jesus, born of the house of Judah, could never be of the Mosaic priesthood of Levi. Instead, like Melchizedek, He was appointed directly by God into a greater, more superior priesthood, just as exhibited by Melchizedek over Abraham.
Our author notes in today's focus verse that every high priest is required to offer gifts and sacrifices for the remission of their own sins and the sins of the people. So if Jesus is to be considered a legitimate high priest, it is necessary that He also have something to offer. And indeed He does, on both counts.
Jesus, who was Himself without sin, had no need to atone for anything on His part, but He definitely could and did atone for the sins of the people. And not just for the descendants of Abraham but for all people throughout all time. Jesus made one great sacrifice, for once and for all, one time for everyone. He sacrificed Himself, the Spotless Lamb, shedding His own blood upon the altar for the atonement of all mankind's sin. And what He has to offer is the greatest gift of all, the gift of eternal life through the grace of God, our belief in Jesus as His Son, our acceptance of Jesus as our Lord and Master, and our willingness to live a Spirit-led life. The King of kings, the Lord of lords, the greatest High Priest of all is our Christ Jesus. Amen.
Lord Jesus, God Almighty, the Creator of everything, appointed You as High Priest over all mankind. You made the ultimate sacrifice of Your own blood on our behalf, as remission for our sins. And You offer us the gift of eternal life with You and our Father. There is no way mere words could ever thank You, so may we ever strive to show our thanks through the life we live, following You. In Your most holy name, dearest Jesus our Redeemer we pray. Amen.
Our author then takes the authority and legitimacy of the priesthood of Melchizedek and combines it with Psalm 110, in which David relates a conversation God has with the One accepted as the Christ, with Jesus. In this, God recognizes the Son as being "a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek" (Psalm 110:4). Jesus, born of the house of Judah, could never be of the Mosaic priesthood of Levi. Instead, like Melchizedek, He was appointed directly by God into a greater, more superior priesthood, just as exhibited by Melchizedek over Abraham.
Our author notes in today's focus verse that every high priest is required to offer gifts and sacrifices for the remission of their own sins and the sins of the people. So if Jesus is to be considered a legitimate high priest, it is necessary that He also have something to offer. And indeed He does, on both counts.
Jesus, who was Himself without sin, had no need to atone for anything on His part, but He definitely could and did atone for the sins of the people. And not just for the descendants of Abraham but for all people throughout all time. Jesus made one great sacrifice, for once and for all, one time for everyone. He sacrificed Himself, the Spotless Lamb, shedding His own blood upon the altar for the atonement of all mankind's sin. And what He has to offer is the greatest gift of all, the gift of eternal life through the grace of God, our belief in Jesus as His Son, our acceptance of Jesus as our Lord and Master, and our willingness to live a Spirit-led life. The King of kings, the Lord of lords, the greatest High Priest of all is our Christ Jesus. Amen.
Lord Jesus, God Almighty, the Creator of everything, appointed You as High Priest over all mankind. You made the ultimate sacrifice of Your own blood on our behalf, as remission for our sins. And You offer us the gift of eternal life with You and our Father. There is no way mere words could ever thank You, so may we ever strive to show our thanks through the life we live, following You. In Your most holy name, dearest Jesus our Redeemer we pray. Amen.
All post contents are the copyrighted property of Rev. Richard R. Moore;
No comments:
Post a Comment