Every election cycle voters put great hopes in their candidates, as leaders who will bring change or stability or both. Yet, there's no one person who will garner everyone's support because people have such diverse concerns and issues.
Recorded history reminds us of the ups and downs of civilizations and cultures. History is cyclical. Life, in general, is cyclical, just as the seasons within a year. The greatness of a nation or era of civilization is preceded and followed by periods of mediocrity or worse.
The problem is consistency and succession of leaders and their governing power. Even religious and theological views vary because they're tied to ever-changing generations and leaders within each generation.
Thankfully, there is one leader who is enduring, trustworthy, and compassionate. He was not elected by people, nor is He limited by human fickleness and frailty. He is powerful, yet humble. Superior, yet approachable.
Scripture
There was a long succession of priests because when a priest died he could no longer serve. But Jesus lives forever, so he serves as a priest forever. That is why he is always able to save those who come to God through him. He can do this because he always lives and intercedes for them. [vss 23-25]
We need a chief priest who is holy, innocent, pure, set apart from sinners, and who has the highest position in heaven. We need a priest who doesn’t have to bring daily sacrifices as those chief priests did. First they brought sacrifices for their own sins, and then they brought sacrifices for the sins of the people. Jesus brought the sacrifice for the sins of the people once and for all when he sacrificed himself.
Moses’ Teachings designated mortals as chief priests even though they had weaknesses. But God’s promise, which came after Moses’ Teachings, designated the Son who forever accomplished everything that God required. [vss 26-28]
(Hebrews 7:23-28 GW) [Context– Hebrews 7]
Key phrase—
Jesus brought the sacrifice for the sins of the people once and for all
Digging Deeper...
Review the Scriptures above as you answer the following questions
What limited priests under the Law from serving as Jesus does as our High Priest?
What is Jesus always able to do for those who trust in Him?
What did Jesus do that the other priests had to do over and over again?
How else is the sacrificial work of Jesus different than high priests before Him?
Reflection...
The greatness of Jesus extends beyond His eternal nature and power over death. He is always available and attentive to those who know Him personally and who trust in Him.
Unlike human leaders, Jesus is eternal. Religion requires faithfulness and obedience, but Jesus is faithful to us even when we are not to Him. He doesn't demand or require a life of good deeds or works because His work as a Savior is all-sufficient.
He sacrificed Himself once and for all, so no other sacrifices would be required to redeem and restore humanity. He rose as a victor over death and continues to live and plead for us in our weakness and inconsistencies. What a great assurance and comfort!
Because Jesus is eternal—resurrected from the dead—He is alive and able to help us. He even helps us—intercedes for us—whether we are awake or asleep, and even when we are indifferent and self-absorbed.
Jesus is exactly who we need to lead us more than any other kind of leader. He's proven Himself beyond expectations. He will never be unfaithful or unreliable. He doesn't break His promises. @@How amazing are God's kindness and care for those who trust in Him!@@
Make it personal...
Read through the Scripture text again as you consider and answer these questions
Do you have confidence in Jesus as both your Savior and Lord?
Do you understand the meaning of "once and for all" regarding the Lord's redemptive sacrifice?
Have you learned to trust and rely on the Lord as your intercessor, your personal link to God?
When you experience the Lord's faithfulness in your life, do you share this with others?
©2017—Word-Strong
Here's a free introduction for the book of Hebrews— Intro to studying Hebrews