Today’s scripture: Hebrews 7:1-10 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Sue Robinson):
This passage talks about the priesthood of Melchizedek. It seems like a mysterious, unknown chapter in Jewish history. Most of us are not sure who and what this priesthood was all about. I know that I have never really been certain of its place in Christian history.
From the time that God ordained human beings to become spiritual leaders of God’s people, only the sons of Aaron were thought to be allowed to hold this title. It was based on ancestry alone. Abraham, his sons, and the sons following him, including Aaron, paid tithes to the “king of Salem, king of righteousness, king of peace.” Sacrifices were made to ensure Jewish souls were saved until the next sacrifice was offered. Never was a sacrifice considered to be lasting and forever.
But God called another to the highest priesthood: one who was not born of the ancestry of Aaron, but of another Jewish tribe. If the priesthood of Aaron had been enough and effective for saving the souls of humanity, God would not have called another to stand in this place. The basis of this new priesthood was everlasting life. Jesus came to this king-priesthood to serve once and for all time as the only sacrifice needed.
When Jesus came and died, he covered our sins past, present, and future. The only thing we need to do is accept this powerful offer.
Prayer for the day: Jesus, thank you for being our King-Priest and for helping us to stand amazed at the gift! Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.