A Perfect Priesthood
Opening Prayer
Ask God today to give you a fresh insight into his divine character and his unfailing love for you.
Read Hebrews 7:11-22
[11] If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood-and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood-why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? [12] For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. [13] He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. [14] For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. [15] And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, [16] one who 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. [17] For it is declared: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” [18] The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless [19] (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. [20] And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, [21] but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.'” [22] Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why was the law set aside and Jesus sent (18)?Only a pure person can come into the presence of a Holy God, hence the introduction of the sacrificial system. The priests, who had to be direct descendants of Levi, offered sacrifices on behalf of the people. As we saw yesterday, the character and personality of the priest had no bearing on his position. However, this system didn’t work and so God introduced a new priesthood: the priesthood after the order of Melchizedek (11). The new high priest was none other than Jesus Christ, God’s own Son. Jesus had no claim to the Levitical priesthood; he belonged to the tribe of Judah (14). His priesthood depended on his relationship to God, not on his family tree. The Levitical priests did not take an oath (20), yet see who confirmed the new priesthood with an oath (21). In the traditional priesthood, the priest’s term of office terminated on his death, but Jesus Christ, the new High Priest, lives forever (21). Under the old covenant, access to God depended on the priestly sacrifices; under the new covenant, we have free access to God through Jesus Christ.
Apply
Thank God for your guaranteed access to God through your relationship with Jesus. Nothing else is needed.
Closing prayer
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the great gift You’ve given me of a lasting relationship with You and the Father.
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