Daily Reading: Hebrews 7
Scripture Focus: This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. (Hebrews 7.22)
Devotional Thought: In Hebrews 6, we encountered the certainty of better things. In the final analysis, we are sure of those things that belong to salvation because of the faithfulness of Jesus. In Hebrews 7, we see how and why Jesus is the guarantor of this better covenant:
Permanence (vv. 23-24). We know the vagaries of changing leadership in our own culture and politics, don't we? When one administration goes out and another comes in, changes are inevitable. Jesus superseded an old priesthood which had ever-changing high priests. But, Jesus is the same "yesterday, today, and forever." We know where we stand in this covenant, because we know who our High Priest is.
Perseverance (v. 25). Several years ago, I experienced some 'trouble' with the leadership of the church I served. To make matters worse, my district superintendent, who was an advocate interceding on my behalf, retired. I felt very vulnerable. The good news is, that Jesus is always living to intercede for me! He saves to the uttermost!
Personal (vv. 26-27). Unlike other priests who offered impersonal sacrifices, Jesus offered himself! Jesus came to us, descending into our darkness, suffering our sickness, dying our death. He personally became what we are, sin excepted, to make us into what he is.
Perfection (28). The old covenant required the inspection of the sacrifice to assure it was without blemish. Jesus' offering of himself was perfect because he was personally holy and righteous! There is no question about the integrity and efficacy of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you are the Guarantor of a better covenant. I trust in you, O 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.
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