The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, 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.’”Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant. Hebrews 7:18-22 NIV
A new covenant—how precious and wonderful is that!! A covenant not based on my ability to keep the law; rather, a covenant based on the power of God’s oath. For God, swore on His own name to keep this covenant. There was no higher power than He on which He could have sworn.
Of all the people I know; there is no one less worthy and more in need of grace than I. How quickly do I realize that when I see those selfish thoughts that come into play or the moments of quick judgement that come into my heart! My own battle with sin is much like the constant flapping of my wings in the fashion of a hummingbird, rather than that of a soaring eagle. I am forever needing to return to the nectar to satisfy my thirst. I note the inner turmoil when I with all my heart want to display Christ; yet, become irritated by someone at work or annoyed when waiting in line or traffic. Why do I who has received so much grace, stumble so quickly at giving that same grace?
It is so evident I need constant intercession from the only High Priest who is able to tirelessly plead for me 24/7!! That was the weakness of the old covenant made with the law—there could never be enough sacrifices to cover our multitude of sins. It was weak and powerless because even the priests had to continually sacrifice for their own sins. We needed a better covenant and a great high priest.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. Romans 7:25-28
Ah, but this is the new covenant which is powered by God’s own word His son who is seated at the right hand of God; always making intercession for me and for all who would come to Him.
CONCLUSION:
Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such a high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. Hebrews 8:1-2
Thank God, for providing me with a High Priest who is forever making intercession for me. I need Him every minute of every day. His oath will stand forever. He who sits on the right hand of the throne of Majesty is making intercession for me and providing me with new mercies every moment. He covered my sins on Calvary’s Cross. He intercedes for me this very moment and will continue to intercede for me again and again throughout eternity.
What about you? Do you know the solace you can find in Jesus, the New Covenant High Priest? He is the better covenant of God filled with promises. The old covenant of the law could not perfect anyone; but the covenant offers a righteousness not our own.
For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. Hebrews 7:19
[bctt tweet=”Jesus is the guaranty of the new covenant the better hope so that I may draw near to God’s throne” username=”effiedarlene”]
Let me end with the song “In Christ Alone”. This is the rendition sung by Christina Grimmie, as tribute to her. Her death tragic; yet, in Christ Alone there is no fear of death at any moment or instant that it may come. Listen closely to these words penned by Stuart Townend, who in conjunction with Keith and Krysten Getty wrote this beautiful hymn.
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.
[tweetthis]My Hope stands firm in Jesus, My High Priest: what about you?[/tweetthis]
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 byBiblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.