A Better Hope

Daily Reading: Hebrews 7

Scripture Focus: For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. (Hebrews 7.18-19)

Devotional Thought: In Hebrews 7, the author continues to show the superiority of the New Covenant compared to the Old.  In this chapter, however, he goes back to the time of Abraham, before the Old Covenant was even established.  After a battle in which he was able to rescue his nephew Lot, Abraham had an encounter with the priest of Salem – Melchizedek.   This Melchizedek was a priest, but not as part of the Levitical priesthood.  So, too, Jesus was not a part of the Levitical priesthood.  Instead, he was a priest after the order of Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High, who was greater than any Levitical priest.

The writer of Hebrews asserts that the old regulation was “set aside because of its weakness and uselessness.”  The apostle Paul deals with that very issue in Philippians when he recounts his spiritual pedigree, only to say that nothing from his past was what saved him.  Only the blood of Jesus saves!

What are you trusting in to save you today?  Experiencing an emotional high?  Having superior knowledge?  Being baptized?  Joining the church?  Being from a Christian family?  Living a good clean life?  Those things will not save you.  They are weak and useless and can make nothing perfect.

But, thanks be to God – a better hope is introduced!  The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin, and then we can draw near to God in full assurance of our salvation!  Trust in nothing – Nothing! – but the blood of Jesus!

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for serving as my High Priest.  Thank you for being both the priest and the sacrifice that brings me to God.  I love you, Lord!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 48.9-14

9 We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple.

10 As your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness.

11 Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments!

12 Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers,

13 consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation

14 that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.