Journal Heb 7 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.
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, (Jesus) is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God THROUGH him since he always lives to make intercession for them.
For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest: holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
He 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.” Heb 7:22-28
Observation: The book of Hebrews explains why Jesus is the New Covenant answer to the Old Covenant and that the Old Covenant is complete with Jesus.
Analysis: “Jesus is the answer for the world today…” is the beginning line of an old song by Andre Crouch and the Disciples.
The writer of Hebrews is taking the precept by precept approach (of sorts) to explain why that is applied to the Old Covenant.
In the above passage there are 4 reasons why Jesus is the guarantor of a better covenant:
- Priests die and are replaced; Jesus is THE priest forever and will never be replaced.
- Jesus will always be available to make intercession between man and God.
- Jesus is holy, innocent, unstained by sin—not like Levitical priests. These Levitical priests had to offer sacrifices for themselves before making intercessional sacrifices for others.
- Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice, the Atonement before God, that will NEVER have to be repeated.
Earlier, in chapter 3, the Writer refers to “our boast in our hope.” There is a difference in expressing faith between being dogmatic and stubborn expression (“I have faith, I will not be moved”) and being knowledgeable and convinced (“I have faith BECAUSE…”).
I remind myself daily of the “because” of my faith. Not only reverting and resting in the stuff I was told leading up to my conversion, but of everything that the Holy Spirit has been faithful to build in me since (because of pursuing Him). It is that “going on to maturity” (Chap 3) that is imperative in establishing an immovable, firm foundation—the reason for my boasting in my hope!
Prayer: Lord God, again I thank you for the opportunity to put my thoughts into words. I reminded myself this morning, in a period of devotions with my wife, that I write to remind myself of what I know, what I need to know, and how to put my nose to the grindstone in searching after You. If others read, that is Your movement. I need this.
Establish wisdom in me, O Lord, after your ways. AMEN