Hebrews 7:15-28 – Perfect Forever

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.

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Hebrews 4:12-13 – Word of God

Read Hebrews 4:12-13

What a powerful reading! Don’t you feel empowered to spend as much time as possible in God’s word? The Bible is one of my favorite things. I hope it’s that way for you, too! When we hold a Bible in our hands, we have access to God’s love letter designed to make our lives better.

When we spend time in God’s word, the foundations of our faith are illuminated. The Bible continues to give us exactly what we need. The Preacher says, “the word of God is alive and powerful.” What does that mean to you? Think of the times you’ve read the same passage and each time something else “jumps out” at you. God’s word is alive and will speak to us in different ways. It’s up to us to be paying attention.

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Jonah 2:1-10 – God Used What?

Read Jonah 2:1-10

Our story continues, and we hear about what happened to Jonah after going overboard during the ferocious storm. Jonah does this in the form of a prayer. And he prays this from the belly of a fish! From the sounds of it, God’s rescue of Jonah was “just in time” using the fish to catch him and bring Jonah to safety.

Jonah prayed, and God heard him. “I cried out to the LORD in my great trouble, and he answered me.” It didn’t matter that Jonah had turned his back on God and avoided doing what God had asked him to do. Jonah wisely realized that his only hope was in the very God he was running from. God was also faithful and did not let the rebellious Jonah die.

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Jeremiah 32:16-25 – Jeremiah Prayed

Read Jeremiah 32:16-25

praying while looking up with sunset in the background

Jeremiah gives us a great example of prayer. He is still puzzling over his purchase of land from our last reading. And yet, instead of coming right out and asking God why, he includes the situation in his tribute to God’s power.

Think of your last prayer to God. Did you give him praise and honor for all he has done? Did you specify the mighty works that have gotten your attention? That’s what we see Jeremiah doing. God loves our adoration. Deuteronomy 6:5 says, “And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”

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Colossians 4:2-6 – Live Wise & Pray!

Read Colossians 4:2-6

praying and praising in profile and layers of elements

Praying is something we can do as often as possible and it’s free! It only costs us time, but what better way to spend time than with God? Right? Paul is encouraging the Colossians to pray for themselves and for his ministry.

It was interesting to me that Paul chose to share about being in chains as he closes this letter. Clearly, Paul’s message was not meant to be about himself or his own situation, but to proclaim Jesus and deal with issues facing the young church. Almost as if in passing, he lets them know of the situation keeping him from seeing them in person.

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