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?
For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God…Wherefore he (Jesus) 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 a high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens (Hebrews 7: 19,26-27)
As a Christian writer, I have tried to always present the truth of the gospel to the best that I can and not enter into politics nor have I ever tried to be politically correct when proclaiming the truth of the gospel. The tragedies in Orlando on 6/10/2016 and 6/12/2016 caused me to feel helpless and grieved over where our world and our nation are at this time. So many tragedies from hate and division. We seem to be a nation divided by race, by religion, and by ethnicity with little hope being presented to change this. Have we who are Christians failed to represent Christ as so beautiful that we could draw others to Him? Have I failed to proclaim His Love in a way that others would hear and desire Him? As we have reached Hebrews chapter 7 in our study; let, me point out the superiority of Jesus Christ as our High Priest.
The writer of Hebrews has pleaded with his readers that they needed to mature in their faith so they could begin to understand the truth. They had returned to the rituals and the Laws; yet, the law never was able to save anyone. There was always the need for an innocent sacrifice to cover the sins of man. Yet, Jesus was the hope all of this pointed toward. The law can only condemn and open our eyes to the truth that evil exists in each of our hearts. We are so prone to selfish desires with little hope of truly showing any love. The law points that out with such clarity; yet, can never be the solution. There could be no priests from the tribe of Levi who were the representation of the law and of whom they themselves are all sinners in need of a sacrifice to save them. Yet, then there came Jesus who is named “Priest forever after the order of Melchisidec” who was considered King of Righteousness and King of Peace.
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them Psalm 127:3-5
As I hurried to try to complete everything at work last Friday, I was filled with the anticipation of my week ahead. This week I lay aside all the stresses of a busy job to enjoy the wondrous benefits of vacation. I am heading out later today to California to celebrate with my daughter her 42nd birthday which is tomorrow. This weekend I have had my youngest grandchild, Annabella Grace. Seeing the world through the eyes of a young child filled with such wonder and joy, always reminds me of how truly blessed I am. So my dear readers, forgive me if this week my postings are not exactly on schedule. I will try to get them out on time; but, California time is different than Missouri so I may be off by a few hours if not days. Oh, well; I hope to be off that much—but we will see. This poem I wrote 7 years ago in tribute to my daughter. Those who have read the story of my life; may know that I did make the hard choice of leaving my little girl to be raised by her Father. Truly, I believed at the time it was the sacrifice that love demanded given the circumstances. Right or wrong, I cannot say now. What I can say it has been God’s wondrous grace that gives me such a beautiful daughter so filled with love, grace and mercy herself. I love you, Happy Birthday Melissa. I am on my way so we can celebrate on a weekend of adventure and fun.
My Little Girl
My little girl I see you now
Your baby in your arms
It takes me back to years ago
To you with all your charms
I loved you so my precious sweet
I’d give the world for you
Yet life it turned and choices made
I thought were best for you
I thought I didn’t have enough
To give my little girl
To keep you safe, to give you more
I sacrificed my world
I prayed each day God keep you safe
Beneath His wings of love
That all life’s pain and grief
He’d help you soar above
And yet, my love, I see you now
This mother you’ve become
I know that God answered my prayer
With joy, I’m overcome
I love you so, my precious one
Though womanhood you’ve found
You’ll always be my little girl
Though years keep turning round
The greatest gift I give to you
Is Jesus Christ, God’s son
Who paid the price, that hand in hand
Equipping you this race to run
So rest within this perfect truth
He has the perfect plan
For you and now your little girl
He cradles in His hand
[tweetthis]God’s Grace is big enough to change even my failures into blessings for me[/tweetthis]
My prayer for each of you is that God’s Grace shower down upon you today. If you have made tough choices in your life, some you have come to regret. Remember this God’s Grace is bigger than all your failures, regrets and sins. Turn it all over to Him and watch what He can do with it.
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.
“when God wanted to prove for certain that his promise to his people could not be broken, he made a vow. 18 God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us.19 This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. In fact, hope reaches behind the curtain[c] and into the most holy place. 20 Jesus has gone there ahead of us, and he is our high priest forever,” Hebrews 6: 17-20 (CEV)
Hope is the anchor for our souls when fear would try to shake the foundations of our souls. The writer of Hebrews in chapter 5 has just warned his readers of being “dull of hearing.” He is pleading with them to grow—to mature in their knowledge of Jesus. As we turn to chapter 6, he begins with a plea once more. He seems at first discouraging. He has noted that among the congregation that there are some who want to return to a doctrine of works only. Some wanted to return to ceremonial rituals of being saved over and over again; as though that were possible!!
Christ had paid the price for salvation once and forever on the cross. To suggest that one could be saved, lose that salvation and be saved again was not possible. The writer points this out very clearly in his arguments to follow in Hebrews 6: 4-6
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:11
The book of Hebrews is filled with great truths concerning God’s wondrous grace and promises toward all who believe!! Yet, throughout the book of Hebrews, there are also warnings and exhortations to the believers. As we have already studied some have been: 1. Listen!! (Hebrews 2:1) 2. Don’t let the truth slip away! (Hebrews 2:1). 3. Pay Attention!!-Fear those with hearts of Unbelief who penetrate the Church (Hebrews 3:12) 4. Exhort one another (Hebrews 3:13). 5. Beware of Sin’s deceitfulness (Hebrews 3:13) 6. Diligently Hold Fast to Faith (Hebrews 4:11) 7. Look to Jesus (Hebrews 4:14) 8. Come Boldly to the Throne of Grace—run to Jesus our High Priest—don’t stop! (Hebrews 4:16).
Now, once more with great urgency; the writer of Hebrews pleads with his readers to grow in the word!! He presents his case as follows, “There is so much more I want to tell you about Jesus. There is so much more you need to understand so that you might flourish with spiritual maturity and joy. There is so much more I want to tell you; but, you are dull of hearing because you are still spiritual babies needing milk.”
