Why Do Business with Jesus?

Daily Reading: Hebrews 7

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 ... offered up himself. (Hebrews 7.26-27)

Devotional Thought:  Last month, I met with a salesman from a company that installs screen enclosures on patios.  I had one question: "Why should I do business with you?"  That's the question that the writer of Hebrews answers for us about Jesus.

When I need a priest, why should I do business with Jesus?  Because Jesus is...

·       Holy.  The basic meaning of holiness is to be set apart for God.  Jesus was indeed set apart to do God's will.  His business was "to seek and to save the lost."

·       Innocent.  Jesus died an innocent man.  Of the charges that were leveled against him, only one was proven true: He claimed to be the Son of God.

·       Unstained.  The most basic requirement of an Old Testament sacrifice was that it had to be whole and unblemished.  There would be no, “Oh, it’s time to sacrifice.  Go get a lame lamb.”  Jesus had no defect in him.

·       Separate from sinners.  But the Bible says that he became sin so that we might become the righteousness of God!  Jesus came from heaven to earth willingly to take on our sin.

·       Exalted above the heavens.  God has given our Savior the name that is above all names!  At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father!  Hallelujah!

·       An offering.  Jesus offered up himself.  Jesus made it plain that no one was taking his life, but rather he laid it down of his own accord.  Such love!

Oh, the salesman had a good answer, and I ended up doing business with him.  Have you "done business" with Jesus?

Prayer: You, Jesus, are holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.  You have offered yourself up as the sacrifice for sins.  I receive your gift of salvation with joy and gratitude.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 53.1-6

1  The fool says in his heart, “There is no God. ”They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.

2 God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.

3 They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.

4 Have those who work evil no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon God?

5 There they are, in great terror, where there is no terror! For God scatters the bones of him who encamps against you; you put them to shame, for God has rejected them.

6 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.