July 27, 2004

THE FITTING HIGH PRIEST

"For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens" (Hebrews 7:26, NKJV).

Christ's high priestly ministry is the dominating theme of the book of Hebrews. More than twenty times throughout the epistle, we find a direct reference to Christ as high priest. There are more references to Christ's high priestly role in the book of Hebrews than there are in all the other books of the New Testament combined.

The next five devotional readings will unveil five exquisite portraits of Jesus as our heavenly high priest. We begin with the title, "The Fitting High Priest." It focuses on our Lord's eminent qualification to be our high priest. By virtue of His divinity, spotless humanity, and redemptive ministry, Jesus is uniquely fitted to be our able high priest. His curriculum vitae is impeccable. He is the Son of God and the Son of Man, Redeemer, sacrifice, and sin bearer (see Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 9:28). Jesus in our perfect example, our righteous substitute and other elder brother. All these--and more--make Jesus Christ, the only suitable, acceptable and capable high priest before God and man.

With such a high priest, our salvation is in good hands. He is both able and willing to save us to to the uttermost. He satisfies all our needs for salvation. Exalted and empowered, He stands at God's right hand where we can daily look to Him and depend on Him as our capable high priest. What a blessed assurance it is to have such a high priest! Therefore, "God's people are now to have their eyes fixed on the heavenly sanctuary, where... our great High Priest... is interceding for His people."--The Faith I live by, p. 209.

My Prayer Today: Lord, with such a qualified high priest, my salvation is in Your capable hands. Amen.