Consider the source
(Read Hebrews 5)
In order to be in the high priesthood, you must be called by God and God alone. The writer of Hebrews asked if Jesus was qualified for the office of high priest? You might be wondering why are we so focused on this since we already know Jesus is holy?
“Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.”
The high priest was the title of the top religious official of the Jews. Originally, the high priests belonged to the Jewish priestly families that trace back to Aaron, Moses’ brother. Unlike previous high priests, Jesus didn’t appoint himself – he was given this position by God. He didn’t glorify himself, he didn’t do it for fame, success, or money. He did it to save us. All humans on earth are unfit to be a high priest due to sin.
“In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him,
‘You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.’And he says in another place,
“You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek.'”
You may understand your faith better, and have even stronger faith if you understand the importance of the high-priesthood and why it was appointed to Jesus. He was not from the tribe of Levi, so technically, on that merit he should be disqualified. Jesus was powered by compassion and humility more than any Levitical priest. While he did not fulfill the bloodlines required to be a high priest according to Mosaic law, the writer of Hebrews points out, that Jesus is from a better order of priests. As one who was sinless, perfect, and flawlessly obedient to God, Christ was positioned as a better high priest. Only He is qualified to be the true high priest.
“In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.”
We will encounter some people in our lives who will throw holy wisdom our way. Some wisdom will be authentic and some may be their own vision. As Christian believers, it’s important to discern the difference. Most earthly priests can sincerely motivate and inspire us to faith. They, like all of us, are still fallen. Above all, we must listen to Jesus the true high priest, for wisdom, for hope, for answers, for the word of God.
If you want genuine wisdom and faith, consider the source.
“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
Takeaways:
- Jesus was specifically chosen as high priest not because of tradition, not because of him checking boxes off a list, but because he is the only person truly righteous enough. He was the perfect choice.
- When you gain faith from God’s high priest, you gain unfiltered, nourishing faith. Trust it and embrace it. Nothing else will compare.
- Life is full of challenges, temptations, and distractions. Use what you’ve gained and what you believe. You should feel safe in your faith.
Applications:
- When you watch a politician deliver a speech, do you expect every one of their promises to be met, or do you take what they say with a grain of salt. Place your beliefs on true and holy wisdom. Read the Bible, pray and, stand firm in your faith.
- I listened to a sales pitch one time from a rep who sold me on a new, easy, and time-saving approach to achieve something that normally takes me weeks. It ended up costing me more time and money. He was so smooth and confident. His self-assuredness sold me when my instincts told me otherwise. Use discernment in all aspects of your life. When faced with a decision or crossroads, prayerfully consider what Jesus would tell you. Does your decision collide or coincide with Christ’s vision of you?
- It doesn’t matter if your faith as a believer in Christ is new or seasoned. It doesn’t matter how you’ve gained your faith. What matters is what you do with your faith. Does your faith as a believer show in your actions? Does your faith show who you really are? Let your faith be your reflection. Let it guide you through difficult choices. Let your faith nourish you. The faith in you isn’t random. You didn’t earn it. It was given to you by someone more perfect than we can ever be. Consider where it came from.
Where else in your life can you live out the teachings of Christ? Look for next week’s Devotion.