“It is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests… [Jesus] 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. For it is declared:
‘You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek.’
“The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God…
“Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
“Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. The law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.” Hebrews 7:14,16-19,24-28
Sinless, perfect forever, Jesus bore all our sins to win for us a marvelous salvation. The indestructible Life took death, the King of kings became High Priest, the Covenant Maker became Covenant Fulfiller and eternal Guarantor. Such is the Savior of the world! (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 4:14)
So often we do not understand and apply His mathematics. We have such a high priest,.. seated at the right hand of the throne of the majesty, in heaven, a minister in the holy places. Jesus took full penalty for our sin, yet we anxiously toil to serve penance or to contribute, earn, and make ourselves worthy. He pronounced us forgiven and righteous, yet we churn in guilt and regret. He lives and reigns victorious, yet we behave like failures. He has adopted us as His own, and ministers personally, always interceding for us, yet we wander forlorn and helpless. (Isaiah 53:3-6; Romans 8:31-34; Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5; Hebrews 8:1-2)
When will we start living His indestructible life? Where need we claim His Spirit’s power over besetting sin, self-absorption, a trendy mindset? Do we allow the drip drip of worldly mantras to affix our eyes on earth and others? Would we turn heavenward and marvel at our perfect Savior? Would we take in His wondrous promises and get up taking Him at His word? Can we rest, trust, go daily forth in His strength and victory? As children of the King, how do we interact, work, and serve differently from the culture around us? (Romans 8:14-16; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:14-15)
“He left His Father’s throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace;
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race;
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me.
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!” ~Charles Wesley (1738)
Father, help me never stop marveling at all You are and the victory You’ve won. To You be all glory and praise!
As the rain and snow 