Monday Devotional: October 21, 2024
Bible Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28 (NRSVUE)
23 Furthermore, the former priests were many in number because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. 26 For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests humans, who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
Looking back over my life, I realize that I have been gifted by many priests who, from time to time, interceded for me. Some were clergy, but many were laity. Martin Luther called them “little christs,” a concept that he referred to elsewhere as the priesthood of all believers.
Some of these priests helped me become a person of faith. Whether preaching with insight, teaching with understanding, counseling with grace, or mentoring with patience, they sparked faith in my life and challenged me to grow as a disciple of Christ. Others befriended me at crucial moments in my life.
None of these was the Christ. Each was a flawed human being. Yet, each came into my life at an important time to offer what I needed to rearrange the pieces of my life or to continue my journey with renewed insights or energy or to make mid-course adjustments on that journey. Because of them, I did not stay the same.
Hebrews mentions a number of drawbacks to the “former priests.” They died, and their ranks would need replenishment. They labored “day after day,” while Christ offers “once for all.” The author wants to assure readers that Jesus Christ is superior to all priests and religious figures who came before him and who would come after him.
Yet, these people who come to us “day after day” to meet our needs and offer care remain important because they point beyond themselves to the real source of meaning, healing, and fulfillment. They point us to the Christ, the high priest who is “holy, blameless, undefiled, …exalted above the heavens.” He fulfills all hopes and remains on our side for all eternity.
Prayer
Thank you, God, for those persons who have pointed us to Christ and have thus helped us on our journey. Amen.
By Richard Fisher, The Upper Room Disciplines 2012, page 311.
Bible Study
“Hindsight and Insight”
Bible Readings: Psalm 34:1-8, Hebrews 7:23-28
ZOOM Session
Monday, October 21, 2024, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
For Zoom Link, send email to [email protected]
IN-PERSON Session
Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Conference Room, McGee Building