Jesus, great high priest
Day 655, Thursday, May 28
Hebrews Chapters 7 – 8
This reading brings us back to an intriguing figure from Genesis, Melchizedek. In Genesis 14:18-20 we read that Abram (Abraham) is returning from battle:
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying,

‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.
And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’

Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”
Jewish believers in Jesus as savior looked at Melchizedek as a forerunner of Christ. Melchizedek wasn’t a priest under the law, as he came before the law was given. Yet he was recognized as a priest by Abraham, the father of the Jewish faith, blessing Abraham and receiving his tithe.
After the discussion of Jesus as a successor to Melchizedek, the author turns to a more general portrayal of Jesus as the greatest, and final, high priest.
“Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because 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.”
And, “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.”

Thursday meditation

Psalms 127:1-5
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.
Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.

Prayer focus
Thank you, Jesus, for interceding for us as the perfect high priest.

-Rev. Mark Fleming