OCTOBER 21 READING…HEBREWS 7
The writer of Hebrews speaks of two kinds of High Priesthoods. The first we have already looked at is the Aaronic priesthood. This is a temporary priesthood that administers the work of God up until the time when Jesus the final sacrifice is offered and received by God. God assigned the priesthood to the tribe of Levi, and out of that tribe the High Priest was to come from the line of Aaron. Now that Jesus has come there is no longer any need for the priesthood or the High Priesthood as it was in the Old Testament. The writer likens the High Priesthood of Jesus to the Old Testament king and priest Melchizedek, the king of Salem (Jerusalem), who was a priest in the time of Abraham to the Most High God…this priesthood predates the Aaronic priesthood and accomplishes what the Aaronic priesthood never could accomplish. Abraham even paid tithes to Melchizedek. This priesthood is not determined by a particular lineage…as we have no record of Melchizedek’s heritage, who his parents were, and why he would be sitting on the throne and acting as the priest to God. He was clearly appointed by God…as Jesus was sent by His Father. Neither from a human perspective, or even a religious perspective, that they should be King or High Priest…but they are because God has declared it so. Where the Aaronic priesthood was imperfect and limited…the Melchizedek priesthood is perfect and unlimited. The Aaronic priesthood could only accomplish so much, and was dependent upon infallible men who served in that position…the Melchizedek priesthood accomplished God’s perfect and eternal plan, and is guaranteed because it is fulfilled by our perfect, infallible, and all-powerful Savior Jesus. While the Aaronic priesthood was temporary and changed the person who held the position, the Melchizedek priesthood is eternal and there is only one eternal One who will ever sit as the High Priest. I am so grateful for our great High Priest who stands forever…our Lord Jesus Christ.
Please share your thoughts.
TOMORROW’S READING…HEBREWS 8
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