Morning Musings with the boys at breakfast...
These next few verses are so very interesting (Hebrews 7:11-28). Compare the line of Jesus's ancestry to that of Aaron and sons' in regard to how they became high priests/priests and see what you can see.
Jesus came from the line of Judah (not a tribe of priests) while Aaron and sons came from Levi (the designated priestly tribe). Let's backtrack a bit first though...
These priests of Levi were 'the bridge' or mediators between God and mankind. Why was it necessary to even have such a role prescribed? This is due to mankind's sin. There needs to be atonement (to make amends for wrong done; to remove guilt of man's sins; a way for mankind to come back into communion with God) for sin and sinners cannot have direct access to God. So what are we to do?
God's answer was 'priests' which He set apart and consecrated with many rules and regulations to keep them 'holy' and wholly to provide a continual atoning link to Him.
The priests were to be the facilitators for the people of Israel to bring their sacrifices for their sins and their tithes and offerings to God (Leviticus 18).
The high priest was to be the one in more direct communion with God, to meet God in the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. This he could only do once per year and only if he brought a blood sacrifice for his own sins in one hand, and one for the sins of the people in the other. Should he fail to do so he would have been struck down dead immediately (Leviticus 10:1-2).
But these priests and high priests fell short of God's standards of perfection. They themselves were sinners so all the hundreds of atoning sacrifices that were made over the 1000's of years could never ever fully satisfy. Again, what was God to do?
God had proved to mankind that they sin; that they were incorrigible sinners and that no matter how many sacrifices they could make for themselves and others, they'd be right back at it again with no permanent recourse for sin.
That's when God then implemented His rescue plan of salvation. He sent His Son Jesus, the perfect, blameless, sinless One to be our sacrifice by dying on the cross and going all the way to hell and back bearing the penalty for the sin of the whole human race; that penalty of death and hell.
Jesus paid it all! In full! His was the perfect sacrifice, made ONCE for all, for all time, making it perfect forever. He is our Permanently Perfect Sacrifice.
As the words of a song from the 1800's goes:
Chorus:
"Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe, Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed me white as snow."
One of the verses of the song sings:
"When from my dying bed,
My ransomed soul shall rise,
"Jesus died my soul to save,"
Shall rend the vaulted skies."
~Elvina M. Hall~
We can now be clear of all the debt we needed to pay to God for our sin, if and when we accept His gift of salvation, personally. We know all this, just be sure to combine it with faith in Jesus. He extends the forgiveness of sins and eternal life with Him to one and all. Won't you accept?
For those of us who have accepted--Wow!--What a mighty God we serve! Take time to thank and praise Him.
Following is the comparison list between Jesus of Judah, and Aaron and sons of Levi.
The Levitical priests had been a gift from God to the people of Israel (Leviticus 18:6,7). Jesus is our Gift from God (John 3:16). He now makes us (those who have accepted Him as their High Priest and Lord and Savior of their lives) His royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Our job is to "be holy as He is holy" (1 Peter 1:15), "remembering that we belong to God and to declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9).
Praise Him for all He Has done; He is truly our Permanently Perfect Sacrifice for all time.
~ERC 2016~
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Morning Musings with the boys at breakfast...
Melchizedek is introduced to us here in Hebrews 7:1-10 (read from 6:16 onward). He was the "king of Salem and the priest of God Most High" (7:1). His name means "king of righteousness". 'Salem' means "peace," so he was king of righteousness and peace. His ancestry could not be traced as he was without father or mother. Quite mysterious. He had no beginning nor end of days and was "like the Son of God and remains priest forever".
He is obviously greater than Abraham as Abraham gave him obeisance and the tithe, a tenth of the plunder he'd gotten from his recent rescue mission to get his nephew Lot back from an invading alliance of kings (Genesis 14).
Who is this Melchizedek? Is he Jesus? Was he the manifestation of God a way back then? Why would Abraham give him obeisance and tithes to him? Why does it say in 6:20, Jesus became a high priest forever "in the order of Melchizedek?" In Hebrews 7:3 we read that Melchizedek was "like the Son of God" and that "he remains a priest forever."
In Mathematics if A = B, and B = C, therefore A should = C. However, one must see a key word here; 7:3 states "LIKE the Son of God" which denotes very, very similar but not exactly the same.
If you go on line you'll find a very good article in answer to this question, "Is Melchizedek, Jesus?" It gives a very comprehensive answer, here's the address. It's rather long but the explanation is beautiful and written by John MacArthur of Grace to You. Please go and have a read of it.
One should interject here too that Jesus is NOT a reincarnation of Melchizedek either. There is no such thing as reincarnation to begin with and that's a whole other topic for some other time.
Why would the Holy Spirit work through the author of Hebrews to bring up the subject of Melchizedek? As mentioned in an earlier blog, it was noted that Abraham was a great man but that Jesus is even greater.
Here, in chap 7 it reminds the Hebrews that Abraham gave obeisance to Melchizedek and also a tithe. Melchizedek blesses Abraham as "the lesser person is blessed by the greater" (vs 7),
Melchizedek was "LIKE the Son of God. Jesus is the Son of God, He is NOT the type, as was Melchizedek but rather the full-fledged High Priest of God who "became the guarantee of a better covenant" (vs 22) and has the "power of an indestructible life" (vs 16).
This all impacts the Jewish (Hebrew) mind and they would have been compelled to admit that Jesus is more than just a man and a great prophet, but would need to turn to Him in faith and acknowledge that Jesus is the One and Only High Priest for them. Jesus being the Way to God.
Go and have a read of the Grace to You explanation; it will be well worth your time. It's well written and enlightening. When you discover that Jesus is truly the High Priest and the Most High God, humbly bow to Him and make Him your personal High Priest. He is ever waiting for you. Admit you are a sinner. Admit that Jesus is the One who can make atonement for you. Ask Him to do so. Repent of your sins. "The blood of Jesus Christ cleans from all sin." (1 John 1:7). Thank Him.
~ERC 2016~
Morning Musings with the boys at breakfast...
In the book of Hebrews it is noted that the connotation "GREATER than" is used frequently. It appears first in chapter 1:4 where we see Jesus is "superior to angels;" He is "worthy of greater honor than Moses" (Hebrews 3:3); and in Hebrews 5:1-10 Jesus is revealed as the Perfect High Priest over all high priests that have ever lived.
Now we come to Hebrews 6:13-20 where we see that Jesus is greater than Abraham. You can read about the life and times of Abraham, originally named Abram, in Genesis 11:10 all the way through to Genesis 25:1-11. It's an amazing and wondrous story. He had his human failings though, just as much as the rest of us, even lying to save his own skin while putting his wife Sarah at risk! What kind of man does that!? Yet God called him "a friend" (Isaiah 41:8 and James 2:23). Abraham believed in God and His promises to him.
Abraham was a greatly revered patriarch of the Israelites ever as much as Moses was. Both of these men, though renowned and highly venerated by the Hebrews, had their weaknesses. God is even greater than they were and is the one to be worshiped.
God sent His Son Jesus, the sinless One, to come to earth on our (human beings) behalf; to come and be our personal "High Priest, forever" (Hebrews 6:20). Jesus is God and we can fix our "hope" on Him "as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (vs 19). "Take hold of this hope offered to you" and "be greatly encouraged."
Jesus can satisfy our deep and desperate inner longings. He has done His atoning work for us. He has paid the price for the sins of each and every one of us. Jesus is "great and greatly to be praised", as one song puts it.
In subsequent Morning Musings we will discover even more ways in which Jesus is so great and GREATER than any other.
For now, let us bow down and worship this Jesus Who alone, is the One worthy to be praised and worshiped.
~ERC 2016~
Morning Musings with the boys at breakfast...
Maturity...at the end of Hebrews chapter 5 we saw the admonition to those who had received Jesus Christ as Savior and High Priest but had not matured in their spiritual growth and faith in Christ. They had not been constantly using God's Word nor had they allowed it to train them, nor be able to distinguish good from evil.
In the Hebrews chapter 6:1-12 portion today we see a continuation of that rebuke. Here is an encouragement to "leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity" (vs 1).
There is a condition though in that many may only have "tasted" the goodness of God and been enlightened (vs 4-5) but had not "combined this with faith;" therefore, all their knowledge and 'tastes' of God have been of no value to them (Hebrews 4:2). Many children who grow up in Christian homes have had a wealth of this type of 'enlightenment' from God's Word. This is a wonderful privilege; don't let it go to waste. Have faith in God and in Jesus's finished work for you on the cross.
For many in the Hebrews' time there had been enlightenment, but no repentance and no faith. An example of such was Judas Iscariot during Jesus's time on earth. He walked with Jesus and the other eleven disciples for about 3 years. He had heard all of Jesus's teachings, had seen the miracles and even likely had performed some himself. Yet his latter end was remorse and suicide. He had not combined his knowledge and experience with repentance and faith. He had "tasted" but had not "chewed and swallowed."
If anyone professes faith in Christ but shows little evidence of maturity, others will wonder if there is a true declaration of said faith in Jesus Christ. However, God is the One to know the hearts so we cannot judge. The book of James tells us though that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:14-26).
Evidence of faith as seen in Hebrews 6:7-8 is fruit and the production of a useful crop. Hebrews 6:9-12 describes what accompanies salvation: character (Christ-like); diligence, good works, helping others in His kingdom; perseverance despite persecution. The person will hold true to the faith despite fear; they will overcome fear. Faith and patience will aid them to inherit what was promised.
The good seed of God's Word falls on many just as rain falls on all types of ground. The rain produces two reactions: fruitfulness and unfruitfulness. A crop useful to the farmer and others is a blessing but unfruitful thorns and thistles are destined to be cursed and burned.
So too, God's Word falls on many. They 'taste' the goodness and are enlightened. Some receive it and combine it with faith (Hebrews 4:2) producing good and mature fruit in their life. Others have the same benefits but are not stirred to repentance nor have combined their knowledge with faith and so "fall away" (6:6).
As the Hebrews were exhorted to do, "show diligence...to the very end", my sons, and "imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." (vs 11, 12). The promised hope of eternal life with Christ is forever. Strive on to maturity in your spiritual growth and faith in Christ Jesus; cling on to Him from now until the end of your life's journey. May God bless you all always in your efforts for Him. Amen.
~ERC 2016~
Morning Musings with the boys at breakfast...
High priests of Old Testament caliber were not self-designated; they were selected. They were "called by God," we learn from Hebrews 5:1-14 (especially vs 4). They had several duties. Among those duties was the all important one, that of representing the people "in matters related to God" (vs 1). He was to also "offer gifts and sacrifices for sins" (vs1).
These high priests were to "deal gently" with the populace of Israel and be aware that they themselves have weaknesses every bit as much as the people. From this we ascertain the reason for
offering up the sacrifices for sin. The high priest must offer for his own sinful deeds first and only then for those of the people's. He must do both.
When Jesus came along, He too did not chose Himself. God chose Him (vs 4-6, 10). He was, and still is, our perfect High Priest. He was without sin yet He fulfilled all righteousness (Matthew 3:15): in baptism; in obedience to God, His Father; learned obedience from suffering; and was reverently submissive (vs 7-10) to God.
Jesus acquitted Himself with perfection. Therefore God could choose His Son Jesus to be our High Priest; to be our "source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him" (vs9, 10).
Jesus differed from the earthly high priests in that He had NO sin and as a result He did not have to offer up even one sacrifice for His own sins. This is why Jesus offering of Himself as our sacrifice is so fulfilling and satisfying to God (Isaiah 53:11) and it "sticks", so to speak. Jesus is our "source of eternal salvation" (vs 9).
Jesus is GREATER than and better than the high priests of yore.
The Hebrews to whom this letter was written knew all this. Sad to say they hadn't matured in their faith and spiritual life despite Jesus's perfect sacrifice for them. They were rebuked for still needing "spoon feeding".
They should have been mature "meat eaters" by this time. They should have "trained themselves with God's Word" by "constant use" thereof. They should have been able to distinguish good from evil" but they could not. They should have been able to internalize God's Word, with God's help, by this time and in turn be of help to others. They could not.
Are we any better? We need to examine ourselves in this. If not, why not? Parents like to see their children grow and mature. God does too.
In 1 Peter 2:9 we read that we who are in Christ (those who have that eternal salvation) are "a chosen people, a royal priesthood...belonging to God." I conclude from this that each individual who belongs to God is a priest; not only that, but "a royal" one (we are children of the King Most High). The emphasis here in this writing is to focus on the priesthood. We are to be interceding for those who are still in their sins. We can never make atonement for anyone but we can pray for those not yet "in Christ" and be Christ-like in our attitudes, character and conduct so that through us, others will be attracted to Christ and become God's children along with us. Point others to Jesus.
We have the responsibility to mature from the moment of salvation to the time Jesus calls us to heaven; be it through our own death or by 'rapture' (read more about rapture from an earlier blog).
It is our obligation to mature in our Christian life and faith as we need to teach others of God's will and ways (vs12). Grow up! We ought to be teachers..."in matters relating to God" (vs 1). So let's get on with the job: mature and teach. Point others to Jesus Christ. This is our priestly duty in honor of Jesus our perfect High Priest. He sacrificed so much for us, will we for Him?
~ERC 2016~
Morning Musings with the boys at breakfast...
Read Hebrews 4:1-16.
Open your hearts. Let God's Word penetrate deeply into them; into every niche and cranny. Be open and honest before the God of Heaven and Earth. He is the one who loves you and cares about you, don't be afraid to trust Him with microscopic examination of all your thoughts and intents of your heart. Whatever needs the light of Jesus to show you what needs to be eradicated, bow humbly before Him and eradicate it. What ever is of Him can stay.
Be honest with examining yourselves against the standard of God's Word. Whether you do so now or later, you will all have to give account of your actions to God one day. It's best to do so sooner rather than later. Later may be too late. Is what was said or done for God's glory or for your own?
After each examination, let it lead you to "holding firmly to your faith you profess" (vs 14). Our High Priest, who was spoken of in an earlier blog about "fixing your thoughts...", is faithful. He went through many of the things we have gone through but praise the Lord, He never sinned throughout His time on earth, or anywhere else, for that matter. He knows and has felt all that we feel now. So He empathizes and sympathizes with our weaknesses but there are still no excuses to not live according to God's Word. We have God's Word to lead and guide us and His Holy Spirit living within us to aid us. Allow Him to do His work within you.
God's grace is also at our disposal to help overcome fears and other obstacles in life. We have His mercy to forgive us when we fail that can lead us to repentance and reconciliation in our time of need.
Pray and ask for God's help, grace and mercy so you can give a good account of yourself to God. You can then be a good and faithful testimony for Him. Honest examination is the key.
Father God, I know that we can put our faith and hope and trust in You. You are the ever faithful one. You are the great and mighty God. Yet I'm so thankful that you know that we are but human beings and that we have weaknesses. Yet you are a forgiving God. You have graciously given us your Word so we can know what You want of us, and when we examine ourselves in the light of it, we can repent and line ourselves up to Your will and ways that you have for us to be and to follow. Help us not to be afraid to examine ourselves honestly in light of your Word. Thank-you for Your ever offered forgiveness. You do this out of your love for each and every one of us. Thank-you so much. In Jesus, our High Priest's Name, I pray. Amen.
~ERC 2016~
Morning Musings with the boys at breakfast...
Fix your thoughts on Jesus. Meditate on Him as Apostle, our High Priest and as the Faithful One; He is worthy of greater honor than anyone or anything else. The Hebrews revered Moses who was a very great leader of the Israelites (You can read the fascinating story throughout the book of Exodus). Yet, the writer of Hebrews is telling them that...
...Jesus is GREATER than Moses!
So just stop and ponder a while. Why is Jesus called "Apostle"? Apostle means 'sent one'. God sent Jesus from Heaven to be the Savior of the world. Fix your thoughts on that!! Thank Him for it if you have indeed made Jesus your Savior. If you have not, don't wait. God sent Jesus for you! He wants to be the savior of your soul.
High Priest. Why is Jesus referred to as 'High Priest'? What did the High Priest do in the Old Testament Judaism times? The high priest was to be the mediator between the people and God. He could only go into the most holy place of the tabernacle (the meeting place with God) once a year. To enter that most holy place he could only do so when he had the blood of an animal in each hand; one for the atonement of his own sins and the other for the sins of the people. He had to do so yearly.
With Jesus, He shed His blood once, for all people for all time for all sin, as my father always used to like to tell us. He is our mediator between God and us. "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins..." (Hebrews 9:22; see also Leviticus 17:11). Jesus shed His blood on the cross and it is "The blood of Jesus that cleans us from all sin." (1 John 1:7). Thus, fix your thoughts on Jesus being our High Priest. Let Him be your High Priest. Ask Him now.
God has kept His promises. Jesus is God. He is ever faithful. "He never fails." (Zephaniah 3:5). We also know that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8). He is the Faithful One. Jesus was faithful to God. God sent Him as His Apostle and Jesus was faithful to fulfill all God had asked Him to accomplish on this earth; the securing of our salvation by being our High Priest. (John 17:1-5). "Moses was faithful as God's servant but Jesus was faithful as God's Son! (Hebrews 3:1-19 esp vs 5, 6) Again we can say that Jesus is greater than Moses. Would you not say that Jesus is faithful? Fix your thoughts on that. Trust Him.
The writer of the book of Hebrews told them, and us, that the Holy Spirit tells us all not to harden our hearts against Jesus. When we hear His voice, listen. He is our Apostle, High Priest, and He is faithful. Hold on firmly to Jesus. Fix your thoughts on Jesus.
~ERC 2016~
These priests of Levi were 'the bridge' or mediators between God and mankind. Why was it necessary to even have such a role prescribed? This is due to mankind's sin. There needs to be atonement (to make amends for wrong done; to remove guilt of man's sins; a way for mankind to come back into communion with God) for sin and sinners cannot have direct access to God. So what are we to do?
The high priest was to be the one in more direct communion with God, to meet God in the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. This he could only do once per year and only if he brought a blood sacrifice for his own sins in one hand, and one for the sins of the people in the other. Should he fail to do so he would have been struck down dead immediately (Leviticus 10:1-2).
