Our Great High Priest

"....but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely [NIV footnote "or forever"] those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." Hebrews 7:24-25

The Old Testament priest offered sacrifices and intercessions for the Israelites. Jesus is our great high priest. He offered the once for all sacrifice for our sins (see v. 27). And he lives to intercede on our behalf.

Jesus surpasses and makes of no use every human priesthood. We have no need for someone to offer sacrifices for our sins because Jesus' sacrifice has taken care of our sin for all time. We need no one else to intercede (serve as a go between for us with God) because He is interceding for us.

Our salvation is secure as long as our Savior Priest lives. And He lives forever and so He is able to save us forever!

Father, I thank you that You gave to us Jesus as High Priest. Help me to daily live in the confidence that accompanies the salvation and access to You that He provides.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Spiritual Diligence

"We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." Hebrews 6:12

No one likes to be called lazy, at least I don't! Yet spiritual laziness is a real danger that threatens every Christ follower's progress. We may become lazy and so neglectful of consistent time in prayer and Scripture. We may become lazy and so lax in our obedience to Christ's commands. We may become lazy and so sloppy in our preparation for and performance of service in Christ's name.

If anything in our life calls for diligence it is our walk with Christ. The key characteristics of diligence that we are called to imitate in this verse are "faith" and "patience" (the Greek word means endurance over a long time). Keeping a vibrant faith in the living God compels diligence in seeking Him while a cold faith leads to laziness. An enduring commitment to stick with spiritual discipline and service in low as well as high times nurtures diligence and produces maturity.

Let's not become lazy in the thing that matters most so that we may fully inherit what God has promised!

Father, check my laziness and spur me toward diligence in any area of my walk with You where I've become negligent. And thank you for Your faith in me and Your patient endurance with me.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

Reverent Submission

7During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. - Hebrews 5:7

Jesus’ prayers were heard because of his “reverent submission.”

Many of our prayers focus on the things that we want, or think we need. The primary characteristic of Jesus’ prayer life was submission (see Mat. 6:10, 26:42).

When we pray selfish prayers it reveals a lack of trust in God. Submitting our lives to God requires that we trust Him completely. A prayer life that is characterized by reverence and submissions begins with an understanding of who God is, and the love that He has for us. (“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Rom. 8:28)

Father, thank you for loving me. I trust that you know what’s best for me and I submit myself to you.

Scripture Interpretation

"For the word of God is living and active. sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

We may view Bible Study as me interpreting the Scripture to discover its meaning. This is a valid and necessary endeavor. But this verse seems to say that Scripture interprets me as I read it. The Scripture looks into our life, searching us, revealing thoughts and attitudes that may be hidden to men but are clear to God (see v.13). The Scripture shows us who we are and then invites and helps us to become who God has saved us to be in Christ.

Father, I thank you for your powerful Word that searches me and leads me in the path of life. Help me to hold my life before Scripture and receive Your work in my life through it.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13

Here’s what I see in this verse:

Everyone needs encouragement—especially in difficult circumstances. A few caring words, a letter, a text, an email, a smile…encouragement is precious. We receive it gratefully, a treasure from the right person. Encouragement gives life. Encouragement helps a Christ follower to be faithful.

Discouragement kills. Satan uses our feelings to deceive us and rob us of the joy of trusting God in every circumstance. It’s a hard, bitter soul who does not give or receive encouragement.

Encouragement is something we all need to experience (both giving and receiving) and with great regularity: every day, as this verse suggests. It takes humility to encourage someone. If we develop the practice of encouraging those around us, we will strengthen our own walk with Jesus.

Lord, thank you for those who have encouraged me. Help me to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ on a daily basis.

Seeking to be fdtC,
Jim

In His Strong Hand

"Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." Hebrews 2:18

Jesus has been where you are today. He has faced what you are facing. He knows what it is to struggle with the overwhelming temptation to sin. Yet unlike us He never gave in and so He is uniquely qualified to help us in our struggle.

He can help us not only because He can identify with us but more so because He alone has the strength to withstand. Never say "Its no use I'll never overcome that temptation." Say as the apostle Paul, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). Then prayerfully commit yourself into His strong care.

Lord Jesus, You have been where I am and you overcame. Help me now to live in Your overcoming power.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark

God Still Speaks

"In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets... but in these last days he has spoke to us by his Son..." Hebrews 1:1, 2

God speaks! He spoke the universe into existence and He has been speaking ever since. By His word He has created and performed mighty deeds. And by His word He has made Himself known to those who would listen.

First through prophets and then through Jesus He revealed Himself. He stooped down from His lofty throne to communicate with His creatures that we might know Him and love Him as He knows and loves us. He still speaks and reveals Himself to those who will listen to the prophets and His Son through Scripture. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (Mark 4:9).

Father, I rejoice that although high and lifted up you bend low in love to speak and reveal yourself. Grant to me ears to hear that I may know and love You more fully.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark