As the rain and snow

“Of the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, Jachin, and Azariah the son of Hilkiah, son of Meshullam, son of Zadok, son of Meraioth, son of Ahitub, the chief officer of the house of God; and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, son of Pashhur, son of Malchijah, and Maasai the son of Adiel, son of Jahzerah, son of Meshullam, son of Meshillemith, son of Immer; besides their kinsmen, heads of their fathers’ houses, 1,760, mighty men for the work of the service of the house of God…

“The gatekeepers were Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their kinsmen (Shallum was the chief)…  So they and their sons were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south…

“Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture and over all the holy utensils, also over the fine flour, the wine, the oil, the incense, and the spices. Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices, and Mattithiah, one of the Levites, the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with making the flat cakes. Also some of their kinsmen of the Kohathites had charge of the showbread, to prepare it every Sabbath.

“Now these, the singers, the heads of fathers’ houses of the Levites, were in the chambers of the temple free from other service, for they were on duty day and night.” 1 Chronicles 9:10-13,17,23-24,28-33

It took a lot of hands to keep the house of the Lord, and He was precise to make every provision for its smooth running. He ordained decor and objects and pieces and processes to their worship so all priests could have a part of the ongoing holy service. Each has something to offer, every one is necessary. The God of order and beauty is also the God who uses His people to serve His purposes today.

Our churches require many hands to be effective for worship of the Lord and His ministries. Guardians hold a special role: Gatekeepers of the immutable Word, those who present it, and the long-term mission. Gatekeepers watch for intruders, assess threats, defend and protect, stand in the gap. They keep clear the mission and set boundaries against detours. How are we gatekeeping our ministries, teaching, and conversations against error, slander, distraction, or gossip? How vigilant are we to watch and pray for the spiritual health of God’s people, that none would sin?

God also assigns us as stewards of His means of grace, those disciplines that gather the flock, hone our discipleship, further our sanctification, and magnify His renown. Whether it is ours to keep order, prepare for sacrifice, or serve practical needs of others, we are each priests in the Body that all may declare His praise. Are we obeying in a manner that enhances worship and honors Him? (1 Peter 2:5,9)

Father, instill in me the will not to be served, but mightily to serve Your holy purposes. Build up Your church to boldly bring You praise in the world. (Mark 10:45)

“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus.., to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:9-13a,14-19

The Christian’s call is a great dichotomy against the unbeliever’s modus operandi. We all need and use things, but differently and for different ends. The charge to those who believe is to know and live out the distinction, setting our hope on God and not things of this world. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Ours is a trust and confidence in the invisible, not the visible, that make their way into every desire and endeavor.

Like rays of the early sun, a Christ-mindset pierces the flesh and its natural tendencies with supernatural light. It penetrates the alluring charms of this world to reason clearly and see through their vain promises. It discerns the harm and destructiveness of disordered affections, and exposes hidden but coddled idolatry.

The cravings of this world are varied and strong, and pursuing righteousness and godliness contradicts their temptations in every way. This is a fight we must take up with boldness. Our Lord holds out His hope of eternal life for our trust, and His stated dominion to give us courage. He supplies the riches we need, including His divine nature, to do good and the right thing. (2 Peter 1:3-4)

Where are we most tempted to flow with the world? Does a perceived ease or anticipated worldly esteem draw our eyes to riches? Have we allowed greed to wield its way into untoward business practices or favoritism with others? Has any measure of earthly success cloaked us with haughtiness or snobbery? May we recognize and flee empty pangs to take hold of what is truly life!

Father, keep me living as one set apart, not for my own interest but for Your honor and esteem.

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil…  And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, ‘To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘It is written,

“You shall worship the Lord your God,
    and him only shall you serve…”‘

“And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee.” Luke 4:1-2a,5-8,13-14

Did Satan really think he owned the world and had sweeping dominion, and could dole it out at leisure? As the great deceiver, he was either attempting to deceive Jesus, or deceiving himself. After all, he was prince of the powers of darkness, yet wholly beneath the sovereign rule of Almighty God. (Obadiah 3-4; John 8:44; Ephesians 6:12; Revelation 12:9)

Jesus, the divine and flawless Son of God, knew better. He it was who owned the heavens and earth and every kingdom, and His Father God alone was to be worshiped and served. Where Satan was driven by pride to be served, Jesus came to serve the purposes of the only One worthy of glory. Pride goes before a fall, and Satan was where he was, groveling for subjects, due to his pride. (Proverbs 16:18; Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:13-19)

When we are tempted to think, ‘It’s all mine! I started it, discovered it, own it, founded it, made it, rule it,’ beware the slap-down of God. We have nothing He has not given: gifts, authority, sway with men, influence over outcomes. No original thought, talent, or resources. It is pride itself that blinds us to our foolish self-importance, and deludes us into thinking we’re arbiters of judgment and more indispensable than we really are. (1 Corinthians 4:7; James 2:9)

The secret to eschewing pride is being filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus lived and breathed in His power and we can too. The devil lurks and prowls and pokes in and out of our days, preying on weak moments and depleted souls. Though our resolve may be strong, our flesh is weak. We must be vigilant to remain filled and stay alert, armed and ready for resistance and battle. (Matthew 26:41; Ephesians 5:18; 6:11-18; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8)

With whom do we garner spiritual strength and sharpness, and a true depiction of ourselves? Regular fellowship, honest edification, and mutual prayer support do much to fortify proper self-perception and the determination and readiness for temptation. How often and thoroughly are we hiding God’s word in our hearts to renew our vision of God, alert us to Satan’s wiles, and keep us from slipping into self-righteous superiority and pride? A mind donned with Christ’s gracious salvation has no room for puffery. (Psalm 119:11; Ephesians 2:8,9; Hebrews 10:24-25)

Glorious Lord, replace self-delusion with humble, hearty worship of You, the only One worthy of my trust and honor.

“When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went out against them. Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the Valley of Rephaim. And David inquired of God, ‘Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?’ And the Lord said to him, ‘Go up, and I will give them into your hand.’ And he went up to Baal-perazim, and David struck them down there. And David said, ‘God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like a bursting flood.’ Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. And they left their gods there, and David gave command, and they were burned.

“And the Philistines yet again made a raid in the valley. And when David again inquired of God, God said to him, ‘You shall not go up after them; go around and come against them opposite the balsam trees.  And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.’ And David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer.” 1 Chronicles 14: 8-16

The Philistines were a formidable and prevalent enemy, and David’s establishment as king in Jerusalem invited fresh attack. This great warrior-leader had skilled men and tested strategies, but he did not rely on his own instincts against this persistent foe. Instead, he inquired of his Commander-God for instruction. He knew that though man could plan well, the ultimate outcome was from the Lord, so he wanted to go forth within the parameters of God’s sovereign plan. He conquered at the sound of marching in the trees. (Proverbs 16:9)

The Lord of the treetops promises to guide and direct us where and how to go, but He does not always do it in conventional ways. David’s heart was so intertwined with his Lord’s that he did not question this unusual and unanticipated advice. He waited for details and obeyed accordingly, without question. He knew God was true to His word and His battle plans were trustworthy. (Psalm 32:8; 104:16-17; Proverbs 3:5-6)

There are times for tested strategies and relying on biblical principles when we come under attack. But it is always prudent, and never wasted, to seek God‘s fresh direction with every challenge. Daily we are to fit ourselves in his armor, daily to seek his guidance and wisdom, daily to be filled with His living Spirit. We cannot trust stale manna to nourish our insight and courage. What He leads us to do in one dilemma or relationship may be different for another. Each best way leads to His overarching victory and glory. (John 7:37-39; Ephesians 6:13-18)

When facing an onslaught of opposition, mentally or practically, do we rely on our own understanding and smarts, and neglect inquiring of God? When we ask Him for direction, do we listen, and heed? He will not fail to rustle our spirit with His to guide our endeavors.

Lord, attune my ears to hear the balsams move, every whisper and beckon of Your Spirit’s guidance. Then give me courage to follow You in triumph.

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth…

“John confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’  And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.’ So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord,” as the prophet Isaiah said.’

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.”‘

“‘I said, “I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him…” He must increase, but I must decrease.’” John 1:6-9,14,20-23,29-30; 3:28,30

Pinky red flushes the rough streaked clouds into flame, then, in a matter of moments, disappears. It’s as though it makes a flourish announcing the new day, then steps back to let the gentle morning ease into place. Just so do we present Jesus in the fanfare of His resplendent beauty, then move to the background and let His constancy, His immutable character, take over. How quaint, and how important, the role of the introduction.

In our present day, a growing number have no biblical background, no reference point for belief in the inerrant and personal Almighty. While a person’s inclination may be spiritual, it is often ungrounded. Beliefs get tethered to shifting feelings or ever-changing propositions, and slip and slide as the days or years go by. We have a vital role in presenting Jesus, who was and is and is to come, the Holy One from everlasting to everlasting. We think and live distinctly from the world, and we speak for Him, then let Him prove His identity. (Psalm 90:1-2; 146:6,10; 1 Corinthians 1:23; Hebrews 13:8; 2 Corinthians 6:17)

Each day brings opportunities to pull back the curtain on Jesus, to give the reason for our hope, to reflect His joy, peace, and serenity, and explain their Source. Do we seize each chance? We always present Jesus, whether intentionally or not. Would we deliberately consider how to make Him known? (Colossians 1:27; 1 Peter 3:15)

Do we smother His image with self and personal interpretations, muddying His clear, free living water with a false works gospel or prosperity message? Do we shy away from speaking at all, self-conscious that we’re not eloquent or scholarly? God calls us to speak truth in love, to present Jesus unadorned, and what He’s done for us cannot be refuted. How, how often, and to whom are we introducing our Savior?

Lord Jesus, may all I do and say present You in Your glorious splendor. Keep me in the background, that You are seen, known, and adored.

“When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,  and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” Acts 11:23-26

Barnabus: son of counsel, consolation, exhortation. The blessing of Barnabus is sprinkled through the history of the early church, and the ripple effects of his encouragement spread far and wide and down through the ages. To grasp the key to his oft but briefly mentioned ministry, we can consider the summary of him in this description. His secret was the Holy Spirit, by whom he was full of faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

When we surrender to Christ and are filled with His Spirit, He imputes to us His goodness, replacing old habits and cranky attitudes with the mind and ways of Christ. Through ongoing sanctification, selfishness transforms to godliness, and we become increasingly like Him, loving what He loves, serving as He serves, acting and responding as He would. Christ in us compels us to go and look for His grace in what He is doing around us, and to encourage others to press on in faith. (1 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 5:18)

As an effective Barnabus, we trace His hand through events and unfolding lives. We recognize that it is indeed His grace that has given the misdirected new vision, the weak strength, and the timid boldness. And we tell them so. We tell them He will do it again.

We rejoice in the Lord- who He is and what He is doing. Our gratitude, gladness, and cheer are a magnet to those who are insecure, downcast, or needing encouragement. Our rejoicing attracts them to the Lord of joy who personally cares. Exhorting faithfulness to Him is a natural follow. ‘You can do it! Keep on! Persevere! You’re not alone! God is able! He who has promised will bring it to pass!’ Pointing them to the Word is a sure and practical encouragement. (2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Encouragement reminds the doubting, fragile, and uncertain they have a worthy purpose, and can keep it at the fore. Barnabuses motivate others to focus their eyes on Jesus, get familiar with and hone their gifts. They spur them to keep disciplined for the race, stay on track, run for the goal. (Hebrews 10:24-25; 12:1-3)

What are we doing to upbuild others? To be a Barnabus, we must remain filled with the Spirit and firm in faith. It’s vital we maintain spiritual disciplines to be attentive to needs, insightful, and able to come alongside the faltering. An empty vessel cannot refresh, a wayward vehicle has no direction. Would we pray for opportunity, immerse ourselves in the Word, and serve one another with truth, love, and consolation? (Proverbs 11:25; 1 Corinthians 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Lord of grace, help me encourage with abandon, that others may grow in their identity as Yours.

“The enemy has pursued my soul;
    he has crushed my life to the ground;
    he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.
Therefore my spirit faints within me;
    my heart within me is appalled.

I remember the days of old;
    I meditate on all that you have done;
    I ponder the work of your hands.
I stretch out my hands to you;
    my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.

Answer me quickly, O Lord!
    My spirit fails!
Hide not your face from me,
    lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
    for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
    for to you I lift up my soul.

Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord!
    I have fled to you for refuge.
 Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me
    on level ground!

For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life!
    In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!
And in your steadfast love you will cut off my enemies,
    and you will destroy all the adversaries of my soul,
    for I am your servant.” Psalm 143:3-12

The pale sky was smudged with charcoal, bad make-up on an otherwise lovely face of a new day. Why is it the grey gets all the attention, and threatens to darken my outlook with brooding? Isn’t life more pleasant when all is bright and clear and everyone is nice?

Mindset can be a struggle. The Lord has created us with intelligence, great sensitivity to our surroundings, and emotion to respond. Recognizing the enemy and acknowledging his efforts to upend us helps us know how to combat his wiles. Remembering our Lord’s past faithfulness and reaching out for his present aid helps to direct the path out of our shadows. We choose to lift our souls to Him or our hands in rage, to serve him rather than our feist and feelings.

With what do we regularly fill our minds? Responsibilities nag, and demand attention. Troubles niggle and take up space with worry. People pop in and out and dance the perimeter, taking big chunks of concentration, affection, and consternation. Every interruption, vista, and question pulls on another set of nerve strings. If we voice these concerns to our Lord, He hears, makes sense of them all, and returns to us a psalm to sing.

Smudge or no smudge, we can train our minds to be fixed on high. The discipline of heavenly-mindedness and setting our hearts with Christ on His throne will remove the shadows in daily perspective. Seeing everything that comes our way through the lens of our risen King flushes it with His sovereignty and graces it with His love. We begin to recognize His fingerprints, and think His thoughts. (Colossians 3:1-2).

“May the mind of Christ, my Savior, 
Live in me from day to day,
By his love and pow’r controlling 
All I do and say.

May the word of God dwell richly 
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph 
Only through his pow’r.

May we run the race before us, 
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus 
As we onward go.” ~Katie B. Wilkinson (1925)

Amen!

“But every nation still made gods of its own and put them in the shrines of the high places that the Samaritans had made, every nation in the cities in which they lived. The men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, the men of Cuth made Nergal, the men of Hamath made Ashima, and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak… They also feared the Lord and appointed from among themselves all sorts of people as priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the shrines of the high places. So they feared the Lord but also served their own gods, after the manner of the nations from among whom they had been carried away…

“The Lord made a covenant with them and commanded them, ‘You shall not fear other gods or bow yourselves to them or serve them or sacrifice to them, but you shall fear the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt with great power and with an outstretched arm. You shall bow yourselves to him, and to him you shall sacrifice. And the statutes… that he wrote for you, you shall always be careful to do. You shall not fear other gods, and you shall not forget the covenant that I have made with you. You shall not fear other gods, but you shall fear the Lord your God, and he will deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.’ However, they would not listen, but they did according to their former manner.

“So these nations feared the Lord and also served their carved images.” 2 Kings 17:29-31a,32-33,35-41a

God gives clear commands and man likes to add his variants: ‘Sure, I’ll do what You say, but I’ll add my spice, my preferences, my twist.’ After all, we are most comfortable being our own gods, managing a la moi- isn’t then life more fun and rules more palatable?

But Almighty God says, ‘You shall bow to the LORD,’ and when we do this sincerely and humbly, we glimpse His glory and find no other surrender satisfies. There is much inherent in the act of bowing that seeps deep into our souls. Bowing says, ‘Here am I. Bowing abases our pride and exalts the One before whom we are still. Bowing surrenders impetus and will. It hushes our drive and subverts it to the Lord’s. Bowing the knee yields to God’s blessing, and lifts the hands. (Isaiah 6:1-8)

Bowing is not forced, but is commanded, right, and due our Worthy King. Gracious God respects our freedom and we decide whether to bend the knee or not. If we spend our time and focus on self and the importance of my ego and agenda, we’ll never see the need to get off our self-erected pedestal. When we see ourselves for the helpless sheep we are, and God for the pure and exalted King He is, we will bow. Which will it be?

Where am I foolishly mixing allegiances? Whom or what have I set beside God on my idol throne? Have I inadvertently allowed more gods than One to capture my affection? Bow! (Exodus 20:3-5)

Oh Lord, calm and quiet my soul before Your majesty, with eyes raised to Thee alone. Keep me hungry and humble before You always, bowing before Your honor, sovereignty, grace, mercy, holiness. May I give You the sacrifices and fear and reverence and praise You deserve. (Psalm 131:1-2)

“These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun,Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.The sons of Judah: Er, Onan and Shelah; these three Bath-shua the Canaanite bore to him. Now Er, Judah’s firstborn, was evil in the sight of the Lord, and he put him to death. His daughter-in-law Tamar also bore him Perez and Zerah…

“The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul. The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara, five in all…

“The sons of Hezron that were born to him: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai. Ram fathered Amminadab, and Amminadab fathered Nahshon, prince of the sons of Judah. Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse.  Jesse fathered Eliab his firstborn, Abinadab the second, Shimea the third, Nethanel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, Ozem the sixth, David the seventh. And their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. The sons of Zeruiah: Abishai, Joab, and Asahel, three. Abigail bore Amasa, and the father of Amasa was Jether the Ishmaelite.

“Caleb the son of Hezron fathered children by his wife Azubah, and by Jerioth; and these were her sons: Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon. When Azubah died, Caleb married Ephrath, who bore him Hur. Hur fathered Uri, and Uri fathered Bezalel.” 1 Chronicles 2:1-6,9-20

God sees fit to record individual names and snippets of stories from the beginning of time. Every person who ever lived is known to this omniscient One. His image imprints value on every life He colorfully intertwines in His orchestration of human history and eternal purposes. The wicked, the faithful, the barren, the foreigner, babies that grow to be warriors and princes and famous artists, all are inextricably bound in this grand humanity Jesus came to redeem.

A family tree grows roots, rings, and branches through generations that are interdependent and vast. As much as we might prefer to lop off a branch or two, or extricate ourselves from a messy connection or prickly variety and shoot off in solitude, the Lord ordains that we draw from each other and grow up together. There may be ‘bad seeds,’ but even with them we hone character and godliness and inspiration from our connectivity.

Are we taking care to grow ourselves, so we can bring refreshment to others? Consistent meditation on the Word, humble worship and repentance, and specific prayer for keen eyes and open hearts, do much to draw nourishment for our minds and spirits. We rise rejuvenated, equipped to respond appropriately, feed the hungry, and encourage with the strength we have received. (Psalm 1:1-3; Isaiah 50:4; John 15:5; 1 Peter 3:15)

Is our mindset gauged by personal drive and preference, or do we actively look for opportunities to engage with others, and ways to contribute and serve? It’s easier and less messy to stand alone, but God didn’t call us to solitary living. How do we deliberately intertwine with the Body to bring about lush life and lasting fruit? To whom will I commend God’s marvelous works? Whom will I nurture through prayer, upbuilding, consolation? (Psalm 145:4-7,10-12; John 15:16; Romans 14:7; 1 Corinthians 14:3; Ephesians 2:20-21)

Lord, may I love what You love, and as You love, and faithfully bear Your grace in the Body. Help me grow up in all things, exercise my gifts with zeal, and do all I can to help others do the same, that You be glorified. (Ephesians 4:15-16)

“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.