Be Prepared…For Our Priest
Be Prepared...For Our High Priest
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. – Hebrews 4:14-16
A priest is one who intercedes for us before God as well as gives God’s Word. In the Old Testament’s priestly system, there were many priests, however, there was only one chief priest. The chief priest had some very specific tasks, including going into the Holy of Holies in the temple (or tabernacle) once a year and sprinkling the blood of a sacrifice on God’s Mercy Seat. He interceded for the forgiveness of the Israelites.
The One, True Sacrifice
Jesus interceded for us, not sprinkling the blood of a bull, but his own blood. He continues to intercede for us every day. Jesus is both our High Priest and our sacrifice. The sacrifices of bulls and lambs before Him were a shadow of the one true sacrifice, Jesus. His blood brought us true forgiveness of our sins.
So, What’s the Big Deal?
Jesus is True God and True Man. His divinity gives us confidence that He can and will fulfill every promise. When Jesus says we are forgiven, we are. When Jesus says we will be raised again, we will.
Jesus is also True Man, though. His humanity assures us that our high priest knows what it is like to be human. He knows what it’s like to suffer. He knows what it’s like to be tempted (though He never gave in and sinned). He’s walked in your shoes.
So, we can pray and know that He gets it. He understands. We see His love and mercy in the sacrifice He made for us. So, we pray knowing that He loves us and wants to forgive us. Therefore, we can go with confidence before God’s throne of grace, confess our sins, be forgiven, and receive help in our time of need.
That’s a big deal!!
How Do We Prepare?
We prepare by humbling ourselves, examining our lives, and being repentant. We also prepare by hearing and reminding ourselves of Christ’s promises, of His grace and forgiveness. We trust His Word. We trust His sacrifice. We trust His love.
Dear Jesus,
You are my High Priest. Thank You for Your sacrifice. I confess that I have sinned…(confess your sins)…Please forgive me. Wash me clean with Your blood and help me as I face temptation this day and every day.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
