As true believers in Jesus, we have a high priest in Christ Jesus. Some may have high priests in their church, but as Christ’s followers, we only have Jesus as our only high priest. Jesus is mighty to save and is also sitting on the right hand of His Father in heaven. The priesthood He holds is all-powerful, nothing ever seen on earth. And in heaven, God’s tabernacle is there, which will one day come down as the New Jerusalem during the time of the millennial kingdom on earth. At the time of the writing of Hebrews, there were still Jews who were practicing as high priests, but they were doing it according to the old law. This is because they did not understand the role Jesus played when it came to Him being the lamb of God and the only person who would stop the sin offerings once. This was done through His blood that was shed. This is taught in Hebrews, chapter 8, and it says, “now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law.” (Hebrews 8:1-4) Amen.
When high priests were on earth doing their sin offerings for the people, it was only a shadow of things to come. Yes, they may not have known this, but it was done in the representation of Jesus and His last sacrifice for sin on the cross. Some people could look to something like this happening in the future with their Messiah, like Isaiah and David did in His psalms. Reading those books and others, you will see Jesus mentioned ever so slightly but enough to help you understand what Jesus’s role would be when he did come to earth as the Messiah and Savior of the world. You see, Jesus began the new covenant with his people and eventually the gentiles also. All this being our high priest, which we have better promises through Him. In this chapter in Hebrews it also mentions all this and says, “who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.” (Hebrews 8:5-7) Amen. Look to Jesus now as Your high priest and Lord of your life, and you will be blessed.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that we will all begin to acknowledge You as our high priest and not any person on earth again. Because You fulfilled the old law and ushered in the new covenant, the role of the high priest was over. Their sin offerings were no more, for You are the Lamb of God. I believe what the Bible says when it reads that You came to take away the sins of the world. I look to You, Lord, in faith. No other person can fulfill me as You can. I want more of You and less of me. Have Your way in my life. Do a new thing in me, that others may see the difference You are making. I may do good on earth, but it is only through Your willpower in my life. The truth is that I cannot do anything good on my own. I fail all the time. That is why I pray, God, that You will lead me from temptation. Keep me on Your righteous path. One day, I hope to be with You in heaven. Not just in paradise and on judgment day, but forever with You, the Father, the Holy Spirit, angels, and other believers. What a glorious day that will be. Especially if I would be made worthy in Your sight to enter in. As for my life now, if I am doing anything that goes against Your will, let me know immediately so that I will repent and get right with You. I would never wish to willfully sin, day after day, without knowing. And continue to conform my beliefs to be Yours also. I love You, Lord. I trust in You. Amen.
