Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
Our salvation is made certain by the one who stands for us before God - our High Priest. It's slightly complicated, but the writer makes the point that the priesthood descended through Levi with the system of law it was part of, was insufficient for the people. First, this is evident by God introducing Melchizedeck as a type of Christ (see Gen 22). He was both a king and priest, and there was no record of him being born or dying. In that sense he resembles the Son. And the Genesis narrative presents him as greater than Abraham, because he blessed and received thithes from him. The point is that the priesthood that comes through Abraham must therefore be inferior to him and to Jesus too. The second hint to its insufficiency is that, unlike Jesus, the levitical priests all died and had to offer repeated sacrifices for themselves and the people, showing that full payment for sin was never made. By contrast, Jesus makes his sacrifice once for all, and because he was sinless, he lives forever to intercede for us, forever showing the Father our penalty has been paid. All this is to assure us of the certainity of our salvation. And added to it, are the two words of God who cannot lie - a promise and an oath. If you are mindful of your sin today. Praise God for his word and his High Priest. As you read note the argument made.
Hebrews 6:13-7:28
Hebrews 6:13-7:28
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.