Monday Devotional: October 14, 2024

Bible Reading: Hebrews 5:1-10 (NRSVUE)

¹ Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. ² He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness, ³ and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. ⁴ And one does not presume to take this honor but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was. ⁵ So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest but was appointed by^[a] the one who said to him, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you”; ⁶ as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” ⁷ In the days of his flesh, Jesus^[b] offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. ⁸ Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered, ⁹ and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, ¹⁰ having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

The war in Bosnia (1992-1995) was horrific, killing at least 200,000 people and displacing 2 million. The danger was so severe that the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) was one of the very few organizations that continued providing aid to Christian and Muslim victims. During a truce, the Methodist bishop from Germany went to Bosnia for the church’s annual conference. About 25 people were expected, but over 500 people, mostly Muslim, showed up. Why? They were so grateful, they wanted to learn about the God of UMCOR, a God who loved them too.

The author of Hebrews shows how God reaches out to us through Jesus, who is authorized by God to be our great high priest, according to the order of Melchizedek. Who was Melchizedek? After Abram finished his war against the five kings, Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of the “most high God,” ministered to Abram, providing bread and wine. Also, Melchizedek blessed Abram. In response, Abram was so grateful that he gave Melchizedek a tithe of everything (see Genesis 14:20). Abram saw, through Melchizedek’s ministry, the hand of God reaching out to him.

I have served in many ministry capacities, from volunteer to pastor, for 55 years. There are plenty of people who can tell stories about my fallibility and inabilities. Yet I also stand amazed at the number of people who tell me that God made a difference in their lives through me. It is humbling to know God can use any of us to make a difference in another person’s life. It is also an instructive reminder to focus on Christ, our ultimate authority, and not on our personal, imperfect wills.

When we serve others with a focus on God, they will want to know more about the love of Christ, our perfect High Priest.

Prayer

Lord, imperfect as we are, help us to love others so they want to know you. Amen.

By Skip Armistead, The Upper Room Disciplines 2024, page 349.

Bible Study

“Decisions and Authority”

Bible Readings: Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c, Hebrews 5:1-10

ZOOM Session

Monday, October 14, 2024, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
For Zoom Link, send email to [email protected]

IN-PERSON Session

Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Conference Room, McGee Building