July 31, 2004

THE FAITHFUL HIGH PRIEST

"For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a... faithful high priest in service to God" (Hebrews 2:17, NIV).

Today we turn the spotlight on Jesus, "The Faithful High Priest." This title unveils the portrait of an high priest who is not only compassionate but faithful. To be a suitable high priest, He must be as faithful as He is merciful. In the great plan of salvation this balance is crucial. Mercy alone can easily become so lenient as to ignore justice. Hence, the need for the faithful high priest. His faithfulness provides a delicate balance to mercy, taking into consideration the rights and duties of both the offender and the offended.

As the faithful high priest, Jesus constantly maintains the "delicate balance between unconditional mercy and unrelenting justice."--SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 407. He seeks to be kind and understanding to the offender while at the same time being true and faithful to justice. Here mercy and justice work in a mutual, complementary relationship for the salvation of the sinner. Our high priest is faithful to His trust as well as merciful to the transgressor. Only Jesus, by virtue of His unique combination of divinity and sinless humanity, is qualified to be such an high priest. As the faithful high priest, Jesus is also faithful in keeping all His promises to His people.

Our faithful high priest never disappoints those who come to Him in faith. Here is a beautiful assurance of the faithfulness of our faithful high priest: "What He is today... He will be tomorrow and forevermore. He is our guide, our teacher, our counselor, our friend, ever bestowing His blessings upon us in response to our faith."--In Heavenly Places, p. 187.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I am confident that as my faithful high priest, You will keep me faithful to the end. Amen.