Thoughts for the Day

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. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honour, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,

‘You are my Son,
today I have begotten you’;

as he says also in another place,

‘You are a priest for ever,
according to the order of Melchizedek.’

In the days of his flesh, Jesus 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. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

We continue with last Sunday's theme of Jesus as our High Priest. Traditionally from the time of Aaron the high priest was a hereditary post. He was there to serve as an intermediary between God and His people. He wore unique vestments and had unique responsibilities. The high priest wore a breastplate with stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel on them on his breast and shoulders - he therefore carried them close to his heart. He also presided over the ruling council, the Sanhedrin which met in Jerusalem. This situation continued up until the time of Jesus, although after that Herod and later the Romans began appointing the high priest. Later high priests were anything but faithful, and Caiaphas was to sentence Jesus to death by declaring his words blasphemous.

As one who lived on earth and as the Son of God Jesus was the perfect choice to create a permanent bridge once and for all between God and ourselves, and to make reparation for our sin. Chosen by God the Father He nevertheless was prepared to suffer and die for us, not for His own glory, but for our sake.

Let us take one strong message from today's passage of scripture from Hebrews. That is, Jesus "offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears" for us when he was on earth, and he was heard. May we learn to spend more time in prayers for others and for our world, and we too will be heard. Our prayers just need to end with the words "May Your will be done!".

Lord Jesus Christ,
our High Priest
who hears all our confessions
and petitions,
help us to be more faithful
in our prayer life,
more consistent
and more unselfish,
that we may draw closer to You
and our desires grow nearer to Yours,
this day, and in the future.
Amen.