Preachers and teachers of God's word often struggle with determining and then conveying the main point of their message or lesson. As I continue my attempt to "blog" through the Book of Hebrews, I begin chapter eight where we read in the first verse, "Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens".
It is not necessarily always spelled out for us so clearly. But here it is clear and precise. In fact, as I consider all that the Hebrew author had been inspired to write about Christ in the first seven chapters, I began to wonder if we could determine any other "main point" than what is stated. In fact, it seems to be a statement that we can not give sufficient importance to. We have such a high priest!
The Hebrew author is not finished with his inspired words about the One who abides forever and holds His priesthood permanently. But as we read through these first seven chapters we should each come to the same enthusiastic conclusion. We have such a high priest! Praise God for Him!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
Today's short thoughts will come from Hebrews 7:28, the final verse of this great chapter of scripture which exalts the "better hope" we have in the One who "holds His priesthood permanently". The author concludes the chapter as he writes, "For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever."
The Lord Jesus was not appointed high priest according to the Law. Through the Law came high priests who were weak. Their weakness was found in their own sins and resulted ultimately in their deaths which prevented them from continuing their priesthood. One after another. Far from weak, one might say at the opposite end of weak, our high priest is the Omnipotent One. His is the power of an indestructible life and since He lives forever He holds His priesthood permanently.
Christ was appointed high priest by the word of an oath, the oath of His Father. Rejoice brothers and sisters in Christ! The One who has been made perfect forever, holds His priesthood forever and saves forever!
The Lord Jesus was not appointed high priest according to the Law. Through the Law came high priests who were weak. Their weakness was found in their own sins and resulted ultimately in their deaths which prevented them from continuing their priesthood. One after another. Far from weak, one might say at the opposite end of weak, our high priest is the Omnipotent One. His is the power of an indestructible life and since He lives forever He holds His priesthood permanently.
Christ was appointed high priest by the word of an oath, the oath of His Father. Rejoice brothers and sisters in Christ! The One who has been made perfect forever, holds His priesthood forever and saves forever!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
As the Hebrew author continues to describe the uniqueness and supremacy of Christ's priesthood he continues to point out the stark differences with those who had served at the altar before. In the twenty seventh verse of Chapter 7, as he speaks of Christ he wrote, "who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself."
The Hebrew believers were accustomed to a law that required the offering up of sacrifices on a regular and on-going basis. Those who offered the sacrifices were themselves sinners and their sacrifices could only look forward to the One that would be made by our High Priest. The thought in the verse is clearly tied to the previous one that spoke of Christ's holiness, innocence, sinlessness and absence of defilement.
The sacrifice that He offered was Himself and He needs never to be offered again! "Once for all" the scripture proclaims assuredly. Though it may have been difficult for the Hebrew believers to comprehend, the completeness and sufficiency of His sacrifice is indisputable. May we rest in the assurance it provides.
The Hebrew believers were accustomed to a law that required the offering up of sacrifices on a regular and on-going basis. Those who offered the sacrifices were themselves sinners and their sacrifices could only look forward to the One that would be made by our High Priest. The thought in the verse is clearly tied to the previous one that spoke of Christ's holiness, innocence, sinlessness and absence of defilement.
The sacrifice that He offered was Himself and He needs never to be offered again! "Once for all" the scripture proclaims assuredly. Though it may have been difficult for the Hebrew believers to comprehend, the completeness and sufficiency of His sacrifice is indisputable. May we rest in the assurance it provides.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
The scripture for today's short thoughts is found in Hebrews 7:26 and says so much in one single verse. As the Hebrew author continues to speak of the priesthood of the Lord Jesus, he writes in this passage, "For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens."
On the one hand it seems to be an odd fit, and on the other hand it is the perfect fit. All that we were not, He is. Our sinfulness necessitated that our high priest be all that we were not and could not be. We were void of any holiness. Innocence is far from each of us but all are pronounced guilty. By thoughts and actions alike we are defiled in so many ways. Sin has been an ever present factor since we took our first breath.
But praise God that He has provided a "fitting" high priest for us. He is the perfect fit. Oh, the joy of being "in Christ", clothed in His righteousness and sharing in His holiness.
On the one hand it seems to be an odd fit, and on the other hand it is the perfect fit. All that we were not, He is. Our sinfulness necessitated that our high priest be all that we were not and could not be. We were void of any holiness. Innocence is far from each of us but all are pronounced guilty. By thoughts and actions alike we are defiled in so many ways. Sin has been an ever present factor since we took our first breath.
But praise God that He has provided a "fitting" high priest for us. He is the perfect fit. Oh, the joy of being "in Christ", clothed in His righteousness and sharing in His holiness.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
Today's passage of scripture is found in Hebrews 17:25. It is a passage of great hope and assurance for the believer in Christ. As we saw yesterday, "because He abides forever" He "holds His priesthood permanently". And today we read, "Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."
The basis of the believer's hope and assurance is found in the One who "always lives"! Because He "abides forever", because "He always lives", He is able to "save forever" you and I and all who have drawn "near to God through Him". May we rest in the supremacy of our High Priest. He lives forever. He holds His priesthood forever. He intercedes forever. He saves forever. Praise God.
The basis of the believer's hope and assurance is found in the One who "always lives"! Because He "abides forever", because "He always lives", He is able to "save forever" you and I and all who have drawn "near to God through Him". May we rest in the supremacy of our High Priest. He lives forever. He holds His priesthood forever. He intercedes forever. He saves forever. Praise God.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
Forever and permanently is the priesthood of Jesus! We are assured of this in today's passage of scripture in Hebrews 7:23-24 where we read, "And the former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers, because they were prevented by death from continuing, but He, on the other hand, because He abides forever, holds His priesthood permanently."
It seems that it their truest sense, forever and permanently are words that can only be attributed to the things of God. We see this truth with the comparison found in today's scripture. The "former priests" were numerous because of the reality and power of death. No matter how good he served in his priesthood or how well he may have been adored by the people, death ended the priesthood of those who had formerly served as priests. The death of one would usher in the priesthood of another.
But Jesus rose victoriously from the dead, obtaining victory over death as He triumphed over it, taking away its fear and sting. Death had no ending effect on His priesthood because He lives on. And so, permanent and forever is His priesthood! Praise God.
It seems that it their truest sense, forever and permanently are words that can only be attributed to the things of God. We see this truth with the comparison found in today's scripture. The "former priests" were numerous because of the reality and power of death. No matter how good he served in his priesthood or how well he may have been adored by the people, death ended the priesthood of those who had formerly served as priests. The death of one would usher in the priesthood of another.
But Jesus rose victoriously from the dead, obtaining victory over death as He triumphed over it, taking away its fear and sting. Death had no ending effect on His priesthood because He lives on. And so, permanent and forever is His priesthood! Praise God.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
Today, in Hebrews 7:20-22 we read, "And inasmuch as it was not without an oath (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, "THE LORD HAS SWORN AND WILL NOT CHANGE HIS MIND, 'THOU ART A PRIEST FOREVER' "); so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant."
My son works for a company who has slogan which says, "If we can't guarantee it, we wont sell it". We are all somewhat familiar with guarantees. Guarantees come in all shapes and sizes. All sorts of products and services may come with some sort of guarantee. Some may report to be good for 30 days while others may claim to be for a lifetime. Most come with fine print that explain the exception clauses of the guarantee.
Today's passage speaks of a guarantee like no other. Jesus Christ is our High Priest and is said to be so according to the order of Melchizedek. Yesterday we saw that His priesthood brings a "better hope" and that it is the means by which men can "draw near to God". Previously in chapter six we saw the importance of God interposing with an oath. And again in today's scripture we see the importance of His oath that Christ is a priest forever. But in the last part of today's scripture we see that Jesus Himself is "the guarantee of a better covenant". This guarantee has no hidden exclusionary clauses. There is no fine print. There is no limitation to its durability. The guarantee is the One who "in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God"! Oh, the blessed assurance that is found in Jesus.
My son works for a company who has slogan which says, "If we can't guarantee it, we wont sell it". We are all somewhat familiar with guarantees. Guarantees come in all shapes and sizes. All sorts of products and services may come with some sort of guarantee. Some may report to be good for 30 days while others may claim to be for a lifetime. Most come with fine print that explain the exception clauses of the guarantee.
Today's passage speaks of a guarantee like no other. Jesus Christ is our High Priest and is said to be so according to the order of Melchizedek. Yesterday we saw that His priesthood brings a "better hope" and that it is the means by which men can "draw near to God". Previously in chapter six we saw the importance of God interposing with an oath. And again in today's scripture we see the importance of His oath that Christ is a priest forever. But in the last part of today's scripture we see that Jesus Himself is "the guarantee of a better covenant". This guarantee has no hidden exclusionary clauses. There is no fine print. There is no limitation to its durability. The guarantee is the One who "in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God"! Oh, the blessed assurance that is found in Jesus.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Short Thoughts for Today
As I resume posting my "short thoughts for today" I will continue to blog through the Book of Hebrews. Today's passage of scripture will be Hebrews 7:17-19 where we read, "For it is witnessed of Him, "Thou Art A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK." For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God."
The writer continues to proclaim the forever priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We see in today's passage that the writer is inspired to write about the "setting aside" of that which was weak and the "bringing in" of a better hope. Make no mistake, only God Himself can set aside "a former commandment" and bring in that which is new. The "better hope" He affords is the priesthood of Christ. It is through this (and we might rightly say this alone) that we "draw near to God"!
May we rejoice in the better hope of Christ and may we appreciate God's provision to draw near to Him.
The writer continues to proclaim the forever priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We see in today's passage that the writer is inspired to write about the "setting aside" of that which was weak and the "bringing in" of a better hope. Make no mistake, only God Himself can set aside "a former commandment" and bring in that which is new. The "better hope" He affords is the priesthood of Christ. It is through this (and we might rightly say this alone) that we "draw near to God"!
May we rejoice in the better hope of Christ and may we appreciate God's provision to draw near to Him.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Resuming Short Thoughts
After a busy summer I anticipate resuming my "short thoughts for today" posts and continue to "blog through" the book of Hebrews. I am praying that the Lord will direct my thoughts and use them to edify members of His Church. God bless!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Treasure Hunting
It is Labor Day and summer has gone by so quickly. My daughter begins her 3rd full week of classes at college this week while students all over the country begin their return to school tomorrow. May we take the time to pray for the students who attend the schools in our communities. May those who know not the Lord Jesus come to know the truth of the Gospel. Let us pray especially for those students who know the Lord Jesus. May they be strong in their faith and may their walk be pleasing to Him.
For the past two Sundays I had the opportunity and priviledge to preach at my home church as my pastor and his wife were away celebrating their twenty-fifth aniversary. The focus of my two-part message was the “surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus”. In a portion of the message I shared some thoughts from a portion of Paul’s letter to the Colossians.
In Colossians 2:3, speaking of Christ, Paul was inspired to write, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." This is a truth that we ought to pause and take special notice of; all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ! Believers all over the world can testify of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge they have found in Christ.
This "hidden treasure" hunt is unlike any other. God has revealed to us the exact location of the treasure. There is no need for guessing or for plotting the location. Though we often do, time should not be wasted looking elsewhere. These treasures are in Christ and can be found nowhere else.
We need no other map or directions. No special eyeglasses. No secret code to be found only in some remote location in the world. No special key. We cannot hire someone else or send someone else to find these treasures for us. But we may find them in Christ and He desires that we do.
In the passage itself we see that there is no guessing at what treasures will be found there. He has told us clearly. It is wisdom, and it is knowledge. Not man's wisdom or knowledge but God's. There are no high expectations of this treasure that will not be satisfied. It is quite the opposite. Our highest expectations will pale in comparison to the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are found in Christ.
There is a way in which this hunt for hidden treasure is like those that we read about or watch movies about. The "treasure hunter", if you will, is one that has a passion to search for the treasure. They are willing to go to great lengths to find that which they believe is of great value. But in the usual hunt for hidden treasure, it is often the treasure itself that is the object of those who pursue it. But the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge ought not to be the object of the believer's passion and pursuit. That belongs to Christ alone!
But when our passion to know Him is realized and we grow in our knowledge of Him, we find the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are hidden in Him! We know the treasures. We know where they are hidden. We know how to get there. But we must consider our own answers to some questions. "Do I have the passion to go there?" "Do I have the passion for Christ?" "Do I want to know Him better?" May we pray for and encourage one another in this important matter. May the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge edify the body of Christ as its members grow in their knowledge of Him.
For the past two Sundays I had the opportunity and priviledge to preach at my home church as my pastor and his wife were away celebrating their twenty-fifth aniversary. The focus of my two-part message was the “surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus”. In a portion of the message I shared some thoughts from a portion of Paul’s letter to the Colossians.
In Colossians 2:3, speaking of Christ, Paul was inspired to write, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." This is a truth that we ought to pause and take special notice of; all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ! Believers all over the world can testify of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge they have found in Christ.
This "hidden treasure" hunt is unlike any other. God has revealed to us the exact location of the treasure. There is no need for guessing or for plotting the location. Though we often do, time should not be wasted looking elsewhere. These treasures are in Christ and can be found nowhere else.
We need no other map or directions. No special eyeglasses. No secret code to be found only in some remote location in the world. No special key. We cannot hire someone else or send someone else to find these treasures for us. But we may find them in Christ and He desires that we do.
In the passage itself we see that there is no guessing at what treasures will be found there. He has told us clearly. It is wisdom, and it is knowledge. Not man's wisdom or knowledge but God's. There are no high expectations of this treasure that will not be satisfied. It is quite the opposite. Our highest expectations will pale in comparison to the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are found in Christ.
There is a way in which this hunt for hidden treasure is like those that we read about or watch movies about. The "treasure hunter", if you will, is one that has a passion to search for the treasure. They are willing to go to great lengths to find that which they believe is of great value. But in the usual hunt for hidden treasure, it is often the treasure itself that is the object of those who pursue it. But the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge ought not to be the object of the believer's passion and pursuit. That belongs to Christ alone!
But when our passion to know Him is realized and we grow in our knowledge of Him, we find the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are hidden in Him! We know the treasures. We know where they are hidden. We know how to get there. But we must consider our own answers to some questions. "Do I have the passion to go there?" "Do I have the passion for Christ?" "Do I want to know Him better?" May we pray for and encourage one another in this important matter. May the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge edify the body of Christ as its members grow in their knowledge of Him.
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