Better than a priest . . .

Every now and then it is important to talk to someone about matters of the heart, about my relationship with Jesus Christ, about my understanding of God, about deeper thoughts and ideas, and about what works and does not work in human relationships. I suppose this is the realm of a counselor, mentor, priest, or some other person who is wise and able to listen and communicate, to fill in the blanks in my thoughts.

I didn’t live as a Jew in the land of the Hebrews when they struggled to hear and obey God, nor was I there when Jesus came and upset everything they knew about God and their relationship with Him. Those who believed in Jesus suddenly found themselves in a new way of life. One aspect of the old life they had was having a priest to intercede for them, to make the necessary sacrifices and assure them of God’s forgiveness. This new life was a challenge and in those early days many of the Jewish converts may have missed their peers who served as priests.

The writer of Hebrews tells these believers that Jesus is better in every way than that former system of ritual and the priesthood that had been their practice. He describes two ways that Jesus excels over the priests and that priestly system.

Jesus lives forever . . .

The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but (Jesus) holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:23–25)

Every time I read this my heart feels joy. Jesus is here, always alive, always praying for me, always ready to meet my spiritual needs as well as every other need. He does not need to be replaced because He does not grow old and retire or pass on. He lives forever and He saves me forever.

Jesus has no imperfections . . .

For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. (Jesus) has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever. (Hebrews 7:26–28)

Jesus is sinless, holy, without flaws and without those blank places that require filling in by others who have more knowledge. He does not have to make a sacrifice for Himself because He is perfect, pleasing His Father in every way. He never misunderstands me, never makes assumptions about me, or writes me off as a total waste of His time. He will listen, understand, direct and pray — always, forever.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Jesus, You are my Lord and Savior for good reason. You can do it, all of it. For this reason I love and worship You!

Today’s thankful list . . .

- for all of the above, for Jesus.

- for another lovely fall day.

- for a long conversation with our far-away granddaughter.

- for Skype so we can see her face.

- for laughter.

- for the work of many Christians seeking to find justice for those who are used and abused.

- hot chocolate and naps.