SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 4-5
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)
Many churches and religions still appoint ‘priests’, middle men (or mediators) between God and people.
Jesus didn’t appoint priests for His movement, He made everyone His disciples, His followers.
The problem with human priests (except Jesus) is that they let us down, they sin, they are limited.
Jesus is the best middle man, He knows suffering first hand, He experienced excruciating temptation.
He stands for God and truth, yet He is not aloof or distant: He empathizes with our weakness.
He doesn’t just stand above us and tell us to jump, He stoops to our level and helps us up.
He doesn’t just hold out ‘sabbath rest’ before us, He gives it to us.
He doesn’t just judge us for our sin, He searches our hearts as the Living Word, to cleanse us.
He doesn’t just chide us for our spiritual immaturity, He patiently nurtures us to grow.
Christians and Church leaders can be a tough bunch to work with, and work for.
But Jesus is the best Priest, the best Pastor, the best Friend.
He comes to where we are, and helps us get to where we need to be.
Forget me as your Pastor (shepherd), I will let you down…
Let me introduce you to Jesus, the bestest, highest priest of all!!!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, having You in my life makes all the difference. You are patient, forgiving, helpful, wise. You do not excuse my sin and weakness, but You do not condemn me either. You understand, You know, and You are always there to guide me. Thank You!
Observations/Application
Share the faith.
Once again, hear His voice. Listen to it. This is the Way. Walk in it. His Word gives LIFE to all who obey. LIFE eternal. Do good. God enables and forgives when I fall short through His grace.
Grow in the faith. Become mature so the you are no longer dependent on others but that others may depend upon you. Be teachers of the faith. Speak the Word. Do the Word. Word and deeds go together. Be a living letter – an example for all to read. Do what is right and good and truth. Let the Word be your guide.
I need to be like Jesus – a Jesus follower.
I heard the voice of Jesus say, Come unto Me and rest;
Lay down, thou weary one, lay down Thy head upon My breast.
I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad;
I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad.
I heard the voice of Jesus say, Behold, I freely give
The living water; thirsty one, stoop down, and drink, and live.
I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in Him.
I heard the voice of Jesus say, I am this dark world’s Light;
Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise, and all thy day be bright
I looked to Jesus, and I found in Him my Star, my Sun;
And in that light of life I’ll walk, till traveling days are done.