Hebrews 7:23-28 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 7:23-28 on biblegateway.com
Verse 23Furthermore, the former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office; Verse 24but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Verse 25Consequently he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Verse 26For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Verse 27Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself. Verse 28For the law appoints as high priests those who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
Devotion
This Hebrews letter is for the rich and the poor, the powerful and the downtrodden. Jesus is the high priest of all. He sacrificed himself once for all, when he offered himself up. He is the sacred bridge between God and his people.
Harold C. War1ick Jr. tells of some children who were asked to draw a picture of God as they saw God. One child drew a huge bolt of lightning striking a group of stick people. "What's that?" the child was asked. "God killing all the bad people," was the reply.
We need to be careful not to teach our children that the fear of God is a tool for controlling behavior. Jesus intended no psychological guilt in the lives of his followers. This letter illustrates a loving God who was willing to offer salvation at ultimate cost. God's incredible grace in Christ comes to us in our weakness.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, perfect in every way, your love is beyond our understanding. We give you thanks for the once-and-forever sacrifice you made that we might live and live again. Amen.