Today’s reading is Hebrews 7.
Under the Law, a new high priest was ordained because a former high priest died. As long as the high priest lived, it didn’t matter who his sons were, he was the high priest. The sons didn’t become high priest until the father (or grandfather) died. A high priest would intercede for the people until he died. Then he could no longer intercede for them (Side note: this ought to tell us something about praying to dead saints to get them to intercede for us). When a high priest died, he stayed dead. Death prevented him from continuing in office.
Jesus, however, is not prevented by death from continuing in office. Why? Because it is the resurrection or indestructible life that is the basis for God choosing Him to be the new high priest after the order of Melchizedek. He was not defeated by death, but was victorious over it. Being resurrected, He does not die. Yes, He tasted death. However, death has not prevented Him from continuing in His office as high priest.
Therefore, He always makes intercession for us. Not that He repeatedly enters the high place offering sacrifices. He offered Himself once for all. As we read in Hebrews 6:19-20, Jesus is forever in the holy place behind the curtain, gone as a forerunner on our behalf. He lives there in the presence of the Father, making intercession to the uttermost for we who are in Him.
Praise God! Our high priest defeated death. Even death could not stop Him from doing His work. Let us cling to Him.
Tomorrow’s reading is Hebrews 7.
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Discuss the Following Questions with Your Family
- What are your initial reactions to the chapter and the written devo above?
- What comfort do you gain knowing our high priest has defeated death?
- What comfort do you gain knowing by virtue of defeating death, our high priest is forever making intercession on our behalf?
- How does this demonstrate Jesus is the best high priest?
- What do you think we should pray for and about in light of this chapter and today’s post?
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