Read Hebrews 7:15-28
With these words, the Preacher would have rocked the world of those trying so hard to be true to God’s law, given by Moses. “For the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God.” The people had to know the old system was flawed, and that’s why our hope is now in Jesus. He came to be our perfect sacrifice, acting as our high priest forever. As the Preacher concludes this thought, “But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God.”
There’s a lot packed into this passage. The references to Melchizedek have foreshadowed Jesus, anticipating that he will be the perfect high priest who will reign forever. The righteousness, peace, and timelessness we see in Melchizedek point directly to Jesus. It is Jesus’s role as high priest that grants us access to God.
What does all this mean for us? Because Jesus is our high priest forever, not only has he opened the lines of communication to God, but our salvation is secure. The Preacher says, “Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” The old system involved human priests who had to sacrifice over and over for the forgiveness of sins. They had their own sinfulness to contend with. Because Jesus did not sin, the sacrifice of his own life gave everyone who believes access to that saving grace.
How does that make you feel to know that Jesus stands ready to intercede for you? He may even be pleading your case at this moment. It doesn’t matter what we have done. Jesus has taken that offense upon himself to wash us clean.
So, why do we have fear or doubts? Maybe you’re holding on to something from the past, buried so deep that nobody will see. Isn’t it time you laid that secret burden at the foot of the cross? Jesus has already forgiven you. Now it’s time you forgive yourself, too.
Jesus “has been made the perfect High Priest forever.” Perfect because he never sinned. Perfect just like the spotless lamb the Jews would seek to sacrifice for the forgiveness of their sins. Because of our sinful nature, we can’t wrap our heads around what it would be to be “perfect.” “He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin.” God knew exactly what he was doing when he gave the oath that Jesus would be our high priest forever.
Take some time today to rest in the presence of your high priest, Jesus. What do you want to say to him?
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, thank you for the atoning sacrifice you made for me. Thank you for the peace from knowing you stand beside me, representing me before God, despite all my failures, concerns, sins, and struggles. I feel so empowered by your presence. Help me not to forget how you have made the perfect sacrifice once and for all. Thank you for providing me access to the Father. In your precious name, I pray. Amen.
