Covenant Relationship

SCRIPTURE

Hebrews 7:11-22 (NRSV)
Jesus is like Melchizedek

Now if perfection had been attainable through the levitical priesthood - for the people received the law under this priesthood - what further need would there have been to speak of another priest arising according to the order of Melchizedek, rather than one according to the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. Now the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.

It is even more obvious when another priest arises, resembling Melchizedek, one who has become a priest, not through a legal requirement concerning physical descent, but through the power of an indestructible life. For it is attested of him, "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek."

There is, on the one hand, the abrogation of an earlier commandment because it was weak and ineffectual (for the law made nothing perfect); there is, on the other hand, the introduction of a better hope, through which we approach God.

This was confirmed with an oath; for others who became priests took their office without an oath, but this one became a priest with an oath, because of the one who said to him, "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever'" - accordingly Jesus has also become the guarantee of a better covenant.

DEVOTION

In yesterday's devotion I said that Melchizedek, otherwise known as Mr. M., reminded me of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

I see that I am not the only person who heard a harbinging of the good news in the person of the king and priest--Mr. M.

Our Great High Priest is absolutely perfect and eternal. He is able to stand before God and interceed on our behalf. He has secured the forgiveness of our sin and the gift of eternal life for each of us--by His own blood!

What a wonderful priest! His name is JESUS.

On the night that Jesus was betrayed he "took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Hallelujah!

Today, we are reminded of the importance of proclaiming the Lord's death until he comes again.

I don't know about you, but it makes me happy-glad to tell everyone that God loves us so much that God gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life! I get giddy when I get to share that Jesus did not stay dead, but was resurrected, just as He promised!

What wonderful good news my friends!

If you would like to share the good news about our Great High Priest, Jesus, please pray with me:

All Mighty God, thank you that you love us so much that you gave us Jesus to be both priest and king forever. I know of no greater love than that displayed on the cross! Thank you for the new covenant that you established with us when Jesus died and rose again. I am so honored that you made provision for the forgiveness of my sin and for my eternal life with you. Please forgive me of my sin and fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I can "proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again." I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.


THE INVITATION

If you would like to learn more about becoming a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the following devotion entitled, "Come To Jesus."

THE INVITATION If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus."

http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html