Today we are reading Hebrews 5. In this chapter we read about Jesus being appointed High Priest by God. “For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”” Hebrews 5:1-6 ESV The role of High Priest is strange to us. To the Jewish believers the High Priest was a very familiar concept. However, as with popes etc. these “spiritual” leaders became increasingly political and corrupt. They were often appointed by people with wealth and power. Jesus was appointed by God the Father. There is nothing illegitimate or corrupt about Him! For this reason we can have complete confidence in Jesus’ mediation for us with God the Father. May you approach God in your prayers with the faith of a child! Pastor Tim
