A Permanent Priest

SCRIPTURE:  But he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:24-25 ESV

THOUGHT: The whole idea of a priesthood is Jewish rather than Catholic. God created the position for a devoted group who would serve him 24-7-365 (Ex. 28). Think of that for a minute – set apart to serve an amazing God of deliverance, to serve as lead worshipers, not to be served, or be somehow worshiped themselves.

And yet, by the time Jesus comes on the scene, that is what has happened. “They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear,” he says of the religious elite, “and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others (Matthew 23:4-5).” Not servants at all. Puffed up power-mongers.

Like a lot of words gone south, I’d like to recover the word “priest” from all the damage done it throughout history. And someday, that is just what will happen when we meet the Permanent Priest Jesus, who served God with every fiber of his being, humbly, and now serves us, able and willing to save every soul who draws near to God through him; living always to make intercession for us. That is love. Pleading for us when the chips are down and our hearts hit the ground. Arguing on our behalf when the enemy of our souls (and his reign) comes against us like a flood. Praying for us when we don’t even know how to pray.

I’m glad God chose to end the priesthood with a permanent priest like Jesus. He continues forever. The world might not have gotten the memo, but I sure did…to the uttermost.

PRAYER: Oh God, thank you for Jesus, prophet, priest and king. Jesus, thank you that you came not to be served, but to serve and give your life a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). We are indebted to you but could never pay you back except by serving humbly with our own lives.