Permanent, Uttermost, Always

“Another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life… A better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God…

“This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.

“The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

“For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.” Hebrews 7:15b-16,19b,22-28

Daily and regular sacrifices had their place in emphasizing the need for atonement and reminding Israel of God’s sustaining provision. But how glorious to live on this side of the cross, where daily is permanent, and regular is once for all! When we know that we know our sin has been atoned for, it is finished, we are free indeed from its guilt and shame. (John 19:30)

Imperfect became perfect, human was replaced by holy, until the next time turned to the uttermost, repeated became once. Weak was replaced by unstained, and earthly was exalted above the heavens. Jesus was the perfect forever fulfillment of the law, by the power of His indestructible life- fully man and wholly distinct, our marvelous Redeemer.

So when tempted to wallow in the sludge of regret or entangling sin habits, remember: Jesus is Victor! He has done away with sin’s shackles! He’s risen triumphant! He continually intercedes for us as permanent Advocate and Defender! He is for us! (Romans 8:31-34)

Meditate on these truths. Nestle in their immutable comfort, hold fast to their pledge, and dress in their power. Welcome each day with eagerness, with gratitude for spiritual freedom. Go forth confident in Christ’s amazing gift of access to the Father’s throne, bearing the grace and mercy He gives in every moment of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Why do we spiritually languish, and settle for less than triumphant in so many areas of our living? Have we grown lazy in action because we are lazy in thought? When do we take time to recall God’s rich word to us, and practice it as our own in faith, boldness, action? We are saved to the uttermost, and own a hope better than the world can offer.

What difference does Jesus’s permanent and ongoing priesthood make in my everyday hope? Zeal? Relationships? Attitudes?

I draw near to You, Lord, to take refuge in Your priesthood. May Your forevers keep me living and loving to the uttermost, always.