Seven Days of Consecration

Seven Days of Consecration

Exodus 29: ³¹ “And you shall take the ram of the consecration and boil its flesh in the holy place. ³² Then Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket, by the door of the tabernacle of meeting. ³³ They shall eat those things with which the atonement was made, to consecrate and to sanctify them; but an outsider shall not eat them, because they are holy. ³⁴ And if any of the flesh of the consecration offerings, or of the bread, remains until the morning, then you shall burn the remainder with fire. It shall not be eaten, because it is holy.

 

³⁵ “Thus you shall do to Aaron and his sons, according to all that I have commanded you. Seven days you shall consecrate them. ³⁶ And you shall offer a bull every day as a sin offering for atonement. You shall cleanse the altar when you make atonement for it, and you shall anoint it to sanctify it. ³⁷ Seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and sanctify it. And the altar shall be most holy. Whatever touches the altar must be holy.

 

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GOD told Moses to have Aaron and his sons eat the second ram as prescribed. GOD also said to repeat the sin offering for seven days.

 

My Observations:

• GOD may have been paralleling the holy week or Passover week, which is the week JESUS died for the sins of the world.
• Seven days of consecration was a one-time action.
• GOD declares people as holy even though we are sinners.

 

This meal was made for the consecration of Aaron and his sons. It was meant for them and them alone. Even the scraps were to be burned.  GOD was setting up a model where sin needed to be confessed and something had to die for the atonement of the confessed sins.

 

Bulls were special. They could breed cows that would provide meat and milk. To kill one meant cutting off the possibility of breeding. It was a sacrifice indeed. JESUS would become the sin offering that was holy and acceptable to GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the seven days of sin offerings used in the consecration of Aaron and his sons?
• What is GOD consecrating you for?
• Do you believe that JESUS paid for your sins, past, present and future?

Dressed to Remember

Dressed to Remember

Exodus 28: ³⁷ And you shall put it on a blue cord, that it may be on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban. ³⁸ So it shall be on Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.

 

³⁹ “You shall skillfully weave the tunic of fine linen thread, you shall make the turban of fine linen, and you shall make the sash of woven work.

 

⁴⁰ “For Aaron’s sons you shall make tunics, and you shall make sashes for them. And you shall make hats for them, for glory and beauty. ⁴¹ So you shall put them on Aaron your brother and on his sons with him. You shall anoint them, consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to Me as priests. ⁴² And you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs. ⁴³ They shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they come into the tabernacle of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister in the holy place, that they do not incur iniquity and die. It shall be a statute forever to him and his descendants after him.

 

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GOD gave Moses instructions to make turbans, tunics, sashes and underwear for the priests.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wanted the priest to understand why they were meeting with HIM in the first place.
• GOD wanted the priests to remember they were interceding to atone for the sins of the people.
• GOD wanted underwear to be used to symbolize what HE did for Adam.

 

When Adam sinned by eating the fruit from the tree that GOD told him not to, he immediately became aware that he was naked. The awareness seems innocent because we are sinners. But the awareness brought shame, desire and problems he didn’t have before. GOD killed an animal and covered Adam’s nakedness. The priests were to remember what GOD did.

 

From head to toe, the priestly garments had meaning that was not to be taken lightly. The cord would need to dangle in the high priest’s face to remember what he was there for. Putting on all the garments took time and the priest could not help seeing the names and statements written on the pieces of clothing. All of this was an announcement that JESUS was the High Priest who atoned for sins.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD remind Moses about the various garments for the priests?
• Does GOD have a purpose for something HE created for you that you may have taken lightly?
• What does GOD want you to remember?

Reminder of Thoughtfulness

Reminder of Thoughtfulness

Exodus 28: ²⁶ “You shall make two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on the edge of it, which is on the inner side of the ephod. ²⁷ And two other rings of gold you shall make, and put them on the two shoulder straps, underneath the ephod toward its front, right at the seam above the intricately woven band of the ephod. ²⁸ They shall bind the breastplate by means of its rings to the rings of the ephod, using a blue cord, so that it is above the intricately woven band of the ephod, and so that the breastplate does not come loose from the ephod.

 

²⁹ “So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the Lord continually. ³⁰ And you shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be over Aaron’s heart when he goes in before the Lord. So Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel over his heart before the Lord continually.

 

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GOD gave Moses the final instructions to create the breastplate of judgment.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wanted Aaron to remember the children of Israel when he met with GOD.
• The judgment that GOD assigned to the high priest helped people to be successful by changing the mindset to focus on GOD versus human desires.
• Judgment was not always punitive, rather clarity of thought.

 

“Use good judgment” is a statement that comes to mind when making decisions. Bad judgment can cause problems, while good judgment progresses the person to success. GOD wanted the high priest to remember those where were assigned to him. GOD wants you and me to do the same.

 

GOD used rare stones, Urim and Thummim as a reminder of how rare good judgment would be. When faced with difficult situations, Aaron would need GOD to guide him in wisdom. People would bring selfish situations and present them before Aaron. Unique wisdom would point people to GOD as the constant answer.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the thoughtfulness the priest needed to have about HIS people?
• Who has GOD given to you and what good judgment do you need to guide them?
• Will your thoughtfulness of others help someone grow in GOD?

Viewed as Precious

Viewed as Precious

Exodus 28: ¹⁵ “You shall make the breastplate of judgment. Artistically woven according to the workmanship of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, you shall make it. ¹⁶ It shall be doubled into a square: a span shall be its length, and a span shall be its width. ¹⁷ And you shall put settings of stones in it, four rows of stones: The first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald; this shall be the first row; ¹⁸ the second row shall be a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; ¹⁹ the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; ²⁰ and the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be set in gold settings. ²¹ And the stones shall have the names of the sons of Israel, twelve according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, each one with its own name; they shall be according to the twelve tribes.

 

²² “You shall make chains for the breastplate at the end, like braided cords of pure gold. ²³ And you shall make two rings of gold for the breastplate, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. ²⁴ Then you shall put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate; ²⁵ and the other two ends of the two braided chains you shall fasten to the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod in the front.

 

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GOD told Moses to create the breastplate of judgment. HE gave the instructions to use twelve precious stones to engrave the names of the sons of Israel.

 

My Observations:

• GOD created people and values them as precious to HIM.
• GOD wanted each tribe to have its own unique stone, showing a unique relationship with HIM.
• GOD provided the precious stones and the skills to engrave names in them.

 

Four rows of three precious stones were to be laid out in the order of birth. GOD seems to specialize in symbolic gestures that help humans relate to HIS heart. The breastplate of “judgment” contained symbolism of how precious people are to HIM.

 

GOD used multiple colors. This was another symbolic gesture that does not place superiority of one race over another. GOD values you and me. HE values the people you despise and those who despise you. HE views people as precious and wanted the priest to do the same.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the precious stones used in the breastplate of judgment?
• What stone do you think has your name carved in it?
• Have you forgotten how precious you are to GOD?

Agreeing With the Book of the Covenant

Agreeing With the Book of the Covenant

Exodus 24: Now He said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and worship from afar. ² And Moses alone shall come near the Lord, but they shall not come near; nor shall the people go up with him.”

 

³ So Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord and all the judgments. And all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words which the Lord has said we will do.” ⁴ And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord. And he rose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars according to the twelve tribes of Israel. ⁵ Then he sent young men of the children of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the Lord. ⁶ And Moses took half the blood and put it in basins, and half the blood he sprinkled on the altar. ⁷ Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient.” ⁸ And Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant which the Lord has made with you according to all these words.”

 

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After hearing GOD’s voice, the people got scared and asked Moses to speak to GOD. So GOD spoke to Moses and gave him laws, rules and guidelines to protect the children of Israel. Moses wrote them down and read them to the children of Israel. They agreed.

 

My Observations:

• GOD told Moses to bring Aaron and Aaron’s sons and seventy elders up to worship HIM.
• GOD then told Moses that he was the only one who was allowed up, but the rest were closer to GOD’s proximity.
• Moses wrote all of GOD’s laws, rules and guidelines HE gave from the Ten Commandments up to this point.

 

It was now a couple of months into the trip to the promised land. GOD spoke to everyone, stating the Ten Commandments out loud. Everyone got so scared that they begged Moses to speak to GOD and for him to bring what HE said to them. GOD took time and gave Laws, rules and guidelines to Moses. He read them to the people. They agreed.

 

Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu were the first high priests outside of Moses and Aaron. It’s amazing that GOD would call specific people, knowing when and how they would fall. These brothers are known for offering “strange fire” to the LORD much later. But for now, they were part of the establishment of high priests. The people agreed when things were going well. Little did they know that times would get difficult.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD call for specific people to hear the reading of what HE commanded?
• Have you agreed to show love, joy, peace and patience and other parts of the fruit of the Spirit, yet have reneged?
• Will you praise GOD today for giving you many chances to get it right without condemning you because HE loves you?

Gifts Were Given

Gifts Were Given

Genesis 14: ¹⁸ Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. ¹⁹ And he blessed him and said:

 

“Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;
²⁰ And blessed be God Most High,
Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”

 

And he gave him a tithe of all.

 

²¹ Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.”

 

²² But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, ²³ that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich’— ²⁴ except only what the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.”

 

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Upon Abram’s successful return, he was met by the King of Sodom to be thanked for getting all the stuff back. Abram was then met by Melchizedek king of Salem. He was the priest of GOD MOST HIGH. Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all that was taken from Sodom, Lot and all the people. He did this in front of the king of Sodom, who then asked for slaves.

 

My Observations:

• Abram chose to give a tenth of the “Plunder” to Melchizedek.
• Abram could have kept all the stuff for himself, but chose to give some of it away and the rest back to their owners.
• Abram then told the king of Sodom that he would not allow the thought of being made rich from a person who practiced evil against the LORD.

 

Gifts were given to Melchizedek; I believe because he followed GOD with all his heart. Melchizedek was a servant leader who GOD recognized as the first priest. He may have led the people through servant leadership and was therefore not invited to fight with the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah. Melchizedek did not ask for anything, instead offered a blessing over Abram.

 

Meanwhile, the King of Sodom was worried about stuff and slaves. Abram, through this action, set a precedence for giving that would later become a law to support the Levitical priests. Abel sacrificed an animal to GOD showing belief in GOD’s mercy. Abram was the first to give to a priest, because of the priest’s relationship with GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD call Melchizedek a priest and mention him to Moses?
• Have you ever felt like you do not have enough?
• What is GOD asking you to do with your stuff?

Playing with Shadows

Playing with Shadows

Hebrews 8: ³ Every high priest is appointed to present offerings and animal sacrifices to God, and so our High Priest must also have something to offer. ⁴ If he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer the gifts required by the Jewish Law. ⁵ The work they do as priests is really only a copy and a shadow of what is in heaven. It is the same as it was with Moses. When he was about to build the Sacred Tent, God told him, “Be sure to make everything according to the pattern you were shown on the mountain.” ⁶ But now, Jesus has been given priestly work which is superior to theirs, just as the covenant which he arranged between God and his people is a better one, because it is based on promises of better things.

 

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Bored waiting on whatever my parents were doing, I looked around and could not find anything to play with. The sun was shining, so when I raised my hands I noticed the shadow on the floor did the same thing. I decided to play with that. I lifted my foot and the shadow responded. Soon I was making all kinds of things happen with the shadow. But when I got home, I was able to play with real people. It was so much better!

 

• I played with my shadow, but it could not do what a real person could do.
• I was able to make the shadow do what I wanted, but it could not do what I needed.
• I pretended the shadow was enough, but when reality came I felt better.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, compares the activity of human high priests to that of JESUS, the true High Priest. He says that what they do to atone for sins is only a “shadow” of the real thing. What Moses was told to do was only a pattern of the real thing.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is superior to anything I could ever do.
• JESUS is above any “good” act I could ever try.
• JESUS is where I can place all my trust because humans can fall.

 

Pastors, priests and preachers are nice to have, but are full of flaws and sometimes contradictions. I mean, it does not matter who is preaching, there is a part of him or her that is made up of sin. BUT JESUS has no sin. HE can speak worlds into existence because HE has no flaws.

 

JESUS is the “real deal!” What I do for HIM and what others do and say about HIM are only a shadow of the real thing. Shadows are weak and powerless, but they exists. My actions are weak and powerless, but they exist. GOD sees when I mimic HIM and is pleased. I am grateful, GOD turns my weak, shadowlike actions into treasures I can’t imagine.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer compare the actions of a high priest to a shadow?
•  Have you ever done something as a child, then done something similar as an adult and laughed at your childish actions?
• Will you seek JESUS as the real thing to come and keep going with the actions the HOLY SPIRIT leads you to do, knowing you will be rewarded by GOD someday?

No Doubt

No Doubt

Hebrews 8: The whole point of what we are saying is that we have such a High Priest, who sits at the right of the throne of the Divine Majesty in heaven. ² He serves as high priest in the Most Holy Place, that is, in the real tent which was put up by the Lord, not by human hands.

 

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Sitting on the trunk of my car, I just waited. I didn’t know where I was, but I knew I was very far from my apartment, so I couldn’t walk. My car had broke down and I did not have a phone. It was night. Not too long, a couple picked me up and took me to a rest area. They asked me if I knew CHRIST as my Savior.

 

• I was relieved to get some help.
• I was more relieved that someone who believed in CHRIST picked me up.
• I looked back at the situation and saw that the entire rescue was out of my hands.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, seems to address the fallibility of humans. As unreliable as a human can be, they are chosen as priests. But JESUS serves as the one and only High  Priest, who sits at the right hand of GOD. HIS authority is infallible.

 

My Observations:

• When I rely on my abilities I can get scared, BUT GOD has all the power I need.
• When I think there is no way out of a situation I get worried, BUT GOD is there to show HIS power.
• When I doubt that a solution will not come, GOD provides in ways I did not imagine.

 

Doubt is easy to fall into. I mean, when trouble arises and my abilities seem to be lacking, I worry about how the situation will clear itself up. I replay the trouble and try to come up with a plan, but reality hits and I see that my abilities to solve the situation are far away. BUT GOD steps in and provides.

 

HE places me in situations where only HIS power can solve them. HE then shows me that I can rely on HIS power to solve any problem, if I believe HE can and will do it HIS way. HE always comes through in HIS way and HIS time. I am glad I can place my full trust in HIM with no doubt.

 

Challenge

• What is the “point” the writer is trying to make?
• Have you ever needed something and felt it was impossible to get what you need?
• Will you place your full trust in GOD and know HE has your situation in mind so you can get rid of any doubt today?

Imperfect to Perfect

 

Imperfect to Perfect

Hebrews 7: ²⁶ Jesus, then, is the High Priest that meets our needs. He is holy; he has no fault or sin in him; he has been set apart from sinners and raised above the heavens. ²⁷ He is not like other high priests; he does not need to offer sacrifices every day for his own sins first and then for the sins of the people. He offered one sacrifice, once and for all, when he offered himself. ²⁸ The Law of Moses appoints men who are imperfect to be high priests; but God's promise made with the vow, which came later than the Law, appoints the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

 

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Being the boss for the first time felt cool and scary at the same time. I relied on a few mentors to provide advice. “What do I do about this situation?” or “What do I do about that situation?” were my constant questions. An external observer approached me and said “At some point, you will have to let go of your mentor.”

 

• I was dependent on something familiar.
• I was nervous about taking on the responsibility.
• I felt better being told what to do.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, mentions JESUS meeting our needs versus human high priests. JESUS, who remained faultless, sacrificed himself. He did what imperfect high priests could not do, be perfect forever.

 

My Observations:

• I try to control GOD by following the Law, BUT GOD loves when I rely on JESUS.
• I try to be holy by following the Law, BUT GOD enjoys when I place my faith in HIM.
• I try to get close to GOD by doing what the Law says, BUT GOD is faithful and saved me through JESUS.

 

After the Law was given, JESUS died for all the sins of humans. HE fulfilled the Law to the letter. I can turn from the Law and place my faith in something perfect, namely JESUS. I mean, when I break one Law, I am guilty of breaking all of them. JESUS made a way for me to be forgiven of the statutes of the Law.

 

This does not give me freedom to sin as I please. HE loves when I use one part of the fruit of the Spirit which is “self-control.” Being able to recognize I need a Savior every day makes me hand my sinful desires over to HIM so we can have a harmonious relationship. I am glad HE is helping me not depend on the Law, and to place my faith in HIS act of love.

 

Challenge

• What problem is the writer trying to address?
• Have you ever needed to use “faith” but were reliant on a person or money or something else?
• Will you place your faith in JESUS, who “meets our needs” and loves you dearly today?

Sacred Authority

Sacred Authority

Hebrews 7: ²⁰ In addition, there is also God's vow. There was no such vow when the others were made priests. ²¹ But Jesus became a priest by means of a vow when God said to him,

“The Lord has made a solemn promise
    and will not take it back:
‘You will be a priest forever.’”

²² This difference, then, also makes Jesus the guarantee of a better covenant.

 

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When a peer became my boss, I did not recognize it. I mean, this guy did not know as much  as “me”, nor was he talented. I ignored his meeting invites and his attempts to “tell me what to do.” After a while, his boss asked me to listen to him.

 

• I did not recognize his authority.
• I rejected his title over me.
• I did not believe I could receive any consequence to ignoring his authority.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, get’s serious about the authority of JESUS. GOD made a vow that JESUS would be a priest forever, unlike humans who were born into the priesthood or ordained by other humans. This priesthood is unlike human priesthood because it holds all things sacred to GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave JESUS all authority to uphold holiness.
• I can choose to ignore the importance of holiness, BUT GOD loves when I embrace it.
• My sin nature abhors GOD’s holiness, BUT JESUS fixed my relationship with HIM.

 

Being a priest represents upholding sacred things to GOD. Unfortunately, human priests have taken advantage of the position with their own sinful lusts. This weakens how humans see what is important to GOD. BUT GOD made a vow that JESUS would be a priest forever. HE and HE alone can uphold all things sacred to GOD.

 

One important thing that JESUS did for me and you is provide forgiveness for sins. Ignoring the importance of this sacred act does not diminish its importance. JESUS is the official being who is allowed to forgive. I gladly bow to HIS authority.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer explain “a better covenant?”
• Have you ever questioned the authority of JESUS or anyone who is in charge?
• Will you recognize the authority of JESUS and learn what is sacred to GOD so you can follow HIM today?

Different Thinking

 

Different Thinking

Hebrews 7: ¹¹ It was on the basis of the levitical priesthood that the Law was given to the people of Israel. Now, if the work of the levitical priests had been perfect, there would have been no need for a different kind of priest to appear, one who is in the priestly order of Melchizedek,^[a] not of Aaron. ¹² For when the priesthood is changed, there also has to be a change in the law. ¹³ And our Lord, of whom these things are said, belonged to a different tribe, and no member of his tribe ever served as a priest. ¹⁴ It is well known that he was born a member of the tribe of Judah; and Moses did not mention this tribe when he spoke of priests.

 

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“Why go to church?” was my question. I finally got tired of the same messages of “being good” or “giving money.” There had to be more to life that what was being said. I stopped going and started “having fun.” My “fun” became more of a problem than I thought.

 

• I did not have a place to put my hope.
• I did not fill the hole that was in my heart.
• I had to rethink “church” versus my relationship with GOD.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, may have tried to address a way of thinking that could have been detrimental to many. People may have relied on a human priest to cleanse them of their sins through confession and sacrifice. He explained, there is a “different kind of priest”, one who did not belong to the tribe of priests, who would be the one to follow.

 

My Observations:

• Humans struggle trying to understand GOD, BUT HE reveals enough to show me HIS love.
• Love is greater than keeping the law, because the law was founded by love.
• I do not have to worry about trying to be perfect, because JESUS was perfect for me.

 

Blaming GOD or blaming people who believe in GOD is a problem. I mean, when I question why GOD does things, or I question those who are supposed to believe in GOD, yet act duplicitous, I can fall away from HIM. BUT GOD knows there are many things that can come up against my relationship with HIM.

 

HE patiently allows me to fall into holes that I think can pull me away from HIM. HE gently lifts me up and dusts me off to serve HIM and praise HIM another day. I am glad HE is willing to renew my mind and show me HIS love!

 

Challenge

• What way of thinking is the writer trying to address?
• Have you ever tried to blame GOD or blame “churchy” people?
• Will you look at GOD’s love and think differently about how you approach church and the beliefs you may or may not have today?

Forever Remembered

Forever Remembered

Hebrews 7: This Melchizedek was king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God. As Abraham was coming back from the battle in which he defeated the four kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him, ² and Abraham gave him one tenth of all he had taken. (The first meaning of Melchizedek's name is “King of Righteousness”; and because he was king of Salem, his name also means “King of Peace.”) ³ There is no record of Melchizedek's father or mother or of any of his ancestors; no record of his birth or of his death. He is like the Son of God; he remains a priest forever.

 

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Encountering a stranger, I remember a guy wearing sunglasses, driving an expensive sports car, zipping in front of people and giving them “the finger” as he passed each. This enraged me, but I could not catch him.

 

• I remember how his actions affected me.
• I did not stop to think how my actions affect other people.
• I realized later that I want to be remembered differently than that.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, explains Melchizedek, who was a king and a high priest. No one knew when he was bon or when he died. He represents how JESUS has no beginning or end. Melchizedek is remembered for his goodness.

 

My Observations:

• Every action I do is either for GOD’s kingdom or against it.
• I have the opportunity to speak about GOD or to do harm to myself and others.
• I can choose what I want people to remember me by.

 

JESUS said “Remember ME.” This mean remember HIS goodness and HIS love. HE faced insurmountable odds by not sinning and at the same time, healing a multitude of people. HIS deeds and words are remembered forever. But what about you and me? GOD has us too.

 

If I give a child a cup of cool water to drink, GOD remember my kindness and loves it! HE enjoys the smallest of service I perform, even if it is just a smile. GOD sees anything I do for HIM and remembers it forever. I am glad GOD cares for you and me.

 

Challenge

• According to the writer, what is Melchizedek remembered by?
• Have you ever wanted to “act out” in public, only to regret what people will remember you by?
• Will you not worry about your reputation and simply serve the way GOD wants you to serve by encouraging someone today?

Safe and Sure

 

Safe and Sure

Hebrews 6: ¹⁸ There are these two things, then, that cannot change and about which God cannot lie. So we who have found safety with him are greatly encouraged to hold firmly to the hope placed before us. ¹⁹ We have this hope as an anchor for our lives. It is safe and sure, and goes through the curtain of the heavenly temple into the inner sanctuary. ²⁰ On our behalf Jesus has gone in there before us and has become a high priest forever, in the priestly order of Melchizedek.

 

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Wanting to be “rich”, I asked a rich person for investment advice. He told me about investing in  penny stocks. I tried it by investing in a random company. I watched the stock go up and my hope was elated. But when the stock went down, my hope receded. I did not sell fast enough and lost the amount I invested.

 

• My hope was based on the performance of a hunch.
• My hope was placed in the thought of getting money.
• My hope was not stable because money would come and go.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, concludes his discussion about GOD’s promises being reliable. Since the purpose of GOD does not change, we can place our hope in HIM. This hope is strong enough to go into the inner sanctuary of GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Hope is important enough to GOD that HE observes it to see if HE is at the center of it.
• Prayer is something that is important to GOD, so much so, that HE keeps each hope filled prayer in a spiritual bowl.
• Faith is something important to GOD and HE looks at it in measures and rewards me for when I exercise it.

 

Humans value money, fame and power. BUT GOD values hope, prayer and faith. These conflict with one another. I mean, when I try to use human methods to “feel” better, I can leave GOD out of the equation and rely on my own plans and abilities. When things go terribly wrong, I lose hope. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

HE wants me to place my hope in JESUS, who was sinless and died to redeem the world. The tactic of not believing in “sin” or of having “my” truth will not stand up in front of the Living GOD. Only JESUS, who is the High Priest, will have the last word on all that I do. HE will examine my hope, prayers and faith and will deem me as being clean. I am glad I can place my hop in HIM.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer urge you to do?
• Have you ever placed your hope in money or a person or a job and been disappointed?
• Will you place your hope in JESUS, so it can be sternal and know HE has the best for you today?

Awarded Honor

 

Awarded Honor

Hebrews 5: ⁵ In the same way, Christ did not take upon himself the honor of being a high priest. Instead, God said to him,

“You are my Son;
    today I have become your Father.”
⁶ He also said in another place,
“You will be a priest forever,
    in the priestly order of Melchizedek.”

 

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“You need to brand yourself to be noticed” was the advice given to me. In the middle of all the noise, people were trying to teach me how to “manage upward” and to “self-promote” to get noticed by the higher ups so I could be pulled up to their level.

 

• I wanted to be noticed.
• I wanted to be promoted.
• I wanted to gain power.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, spoke about the humility of JESUS. Infinite power and the highest title was not the goal of JESUS, rather HE took the lowest form and served humanity. GOD awarded HIM with the “honor” anyway.

 

My Observations

• GOD said “the first will be last and the last will be first.
• Sometimes when I think “I” should be elevated I really should take a step back and focus on serving.
• Serving others give me the leadership style GOD wants me to have.

 

Titles, power and fame are holes I can fall into easily. I mean, I can seek “likes” on social media, or a title in a company or business and be recognized by the world as being “successful.” BUT GOD sees success in a different way.

 

JESUS gave the best example of being successful. HE died for the sins of mankind even though HE was innocent and did not sin. HE then served humanity by sending the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort us, instead of scolding us. HE went away to build a permanent place for us even though we don’t deserve it. I am glad HE did all of this with love for me and you in mind.

 

Challenge

• What honor is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever wanted to be noticed or elevated to a higher status?
• Will you seek that GOD wants for you and not worry about what people think about you or the title you have?

Just When We Need It

Just When We Need It

Hebrews 4: ¹⁴ Let us, then, hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we have a great High Priest who has gone into the very presence of God—Jesus, the Son of God. ¹⁵ Our High Priest is not one who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. On the contrary, we have a High Priest who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin. ¹⁶ Let us have confidence, then, and approach God's throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it.

 

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Having come out of the trial, I felt I needed a vacation from being “good.” I let down my guards and decided I could sin a little here and a little there. Soon I was back to old habits, never once praying to, nor communicating with GOD. But then troubles hit again.

 

• I wondered if GOD was punishing me for something I did.
• I also wondered if HE would forgive me “this” time.
• I also wondered if GOD would reach a limit on HIS forgiveness and just get tired of me coming to HIM with the same request.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, explains that JESUS is different than the human high priests. They, being human, have fallen into sin. JESUS was tempted in every way and never sinned. He explains that we can hold onto our faith firmly because JESUS provides mercy and grace.

 

My Observations

• There is no sin too great that GOD will not forgive.
• I can approach GOD with all my sins and be forgiven.
• JESUS knows what I am going through and sympathizes with me because of what HE went through.

 

GOD is the ultimate forgiver versus the ultimate punisher. I mean, sometimes I get scared of GOD, especially when I sin. I think I may not get “my” way. Consequently, I also think I can manipulate GOD into giving me “my” way by temporarily being good. HE knows that too.

 

GOD sees me different than I see myself. HE loves me and is concerned about me. HE grants me mercy when I should receive the ultimate punishment. HE pours out grace when I do not deserve it and HE seems to do it just when I need it. I thank GOD for HIS grace and mercy. It is always right on time!

 

Challenge

• How does the writer portray JESUS?
• Have you ever been in a situation where no one sympathized with you?
• Have you ever been blamed by “everyone” around you?
• Will you give your life to JESUS and learn about truly being forgiven so you can experience HIS everlasting grace and mercy today?

More Honor

More Honor

Hebrews 3: My Christian friends, who also have been called by God! Think of Jesus, whom God sent to be the High Priest of the faith we profess. ² He was faithful to God, who chose him to do this work, just as Moses was faithful in his work in God's house. ³ A man who builds a house receives more honor than the house itself. In the same way Jesus is worthy of much greater honor than Moses. 

 

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After working hard, I received an award for the thing my team built. It was state of the art and highly desired. Years later, it was mundane and complained about. I heard someone mention how difficult it was to update to the “newest” stuff.

 

• I felt great when I was on top.
• I did not feel as good when my name was associated with something that needed to be thrown away.
• I felt even worse when people felt “I” should be thrown away with the thing that was built.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, appeals to those who follow JESUS as their Savior. He knew people had elevated Moses to a place of honor because of the first five books of the bible. Moses had an amazing encounter with GOD and wrote out laws and history that was revealed to him. The writer says “JESUS is worthy of much greater honor than Moses.”

 

My Observations

• GOD sees me with more honor than the projects I complete.
• I am more valuable than the likes I get on social media.
• JESUS is the most valuable being whom I should follow.

 

Before I seek any honor, I must ask myself, “Have I given any honor to the one who created me?” Many times the answer is no. BUT GOD deserves more honor than the thing I am trying to build. HE gave  me gifts, abilities and talents to be able to accomplish whatever I would like.

 

HE guides me and leads me to do things I never would have dreamt of. HE deserves the honor whenever I accomplish something. I gladly give JESUS more honor than the latest project that will one day be outdated.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer compare JESUS to Moses?
• Have you ever felt valuable because of a project or something you did?
• Will you take some time to reassess your value so you can understand JESUS values you to the extreme, so maybe you can give HIM more honor today?

Highest Admiration

Highest Admiration

Ephesians 4: ⁹ Now, what does “he went up” mean? It means that first he came down to the lowest depths of the earth. ¹⁰ So the one who came down is the same one who went up, above and beyond the heavens, to fill the whole universe with his presence. 

 

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Reaching levels was a thing that was taught to me. One grade gave me golden stars for every level I achieved in reading. This thought of levels translated to types of work I did later in life. I admired those who were “above me” in level. I talked about him or her with high regard.

 

• I thought titles meant importance.
• I thought people were supposed to be treated differently because of their title or academic achievements.
• I thought power meant obtaining a following where people would grab onto every word “I” said.

 

Paul poses a tough question in the letter he wrote. “What does ‘HE went up’ mean?” was the poignant question to provoke thought. He then answers by explaining what JESUS taught him. He talked about levels.

 

My Observations

• JESUS, who was and is GOD, became a lowly human to die for me.
• JESUS sacrificial death and resurrection enabled HIM to be placed above everything.
• JESUS’s act of love is recognized by the entire universe.

 

It’s easy to admire or even envy other humans as gods. I mean, when I want to be somebody, I may look at what others consider somebody. I then try to be like him or her and fail miserably. I may sometimes achieve a level and think I am “above” people.

 

BUT GOD is the only one who is above all. No human level or achievement can match HIS greatness. HE knows all, sees all and is everywhere. JESUS was given the highest honor of being placed above all. I bow down to JESUS who is my Savior.

 

Challenge

• What levels is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever admired someone because of his or her title or accomplishments?
• Will you place a higher admiration on the one who is above race, gender and situations, namely JESUS, today?

Above All

Above All

Ephesians 1:  ²¹ Christ rules there above all heavenly rulers, authorities, powers, and lords; he has a title superior to all titles of authority in this world and in the next. ²² God put all things under Christ's feet and gave him to the church as supreme Lord over all things. ²³ The church is Christ's body, the completion of him who himself completes all things everywhere.

 

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Above all seems unfathomable. Above every situation, every trial, above every thing that seems to go right or wrong? Yes. Above it all!

 

This weekend we celebrate the resurrection of JESUS who is GOD who became a human to allow HIMSELF to be murdered for the sins of the world. HE was raised by the SPIRIT and the FATHER placed all things under HIM.

 

HE now holds every situation, past, present and future. All hurts and celebrations belongs to HIM. All things are complete.

 

Enjoy this weekend of worshipping our LORD and Savior JESUS, who is the CHRIST!

Fearless

Fearless

Galatians 3: ¹⁹ What, then, was the purpose of the Law? It was added in order to show what wrongdoing is, and it was meant to last until the coming of Abraham's descendant, to whom the promise was made. The Law was handed down by angels, with a man acting as a go-between. ²⁰ But a go-between is not needed when only one person is involved; and God is one.

 

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Fearing the answer would be “No” I asked a sibling to “Ask mom and dad to let me go to the party.” “No way!” was the quick reply, not wanting to get caught up in the possible conflict. I tried this approach with difficult teachers, seeking the teacher’s pet as my advocate. I then tried the approach on jobs, wanting someone else to be the “go-between.”

 

• I feared I would get the words wrong.
• I needed an excuse, so if things did not go well for me I could blame the “go-between.”
• I was acting immature and wanted someone else to speak on my behalf so “I” could get what I wanted.

 

Paul continues to speak to those who believe the Law could save them. He explained that it was put in place temporarily until CHRIST became a human to fulfill GOD’s promise. Only the high priest could speak to GOD and a sacrifice was needed to atone for sin. This was no longer needed.

 

My Observations

• When JESUS rose from the dead after being murdered, I was able to go directly to the FATHR and ask for forgiveness.
• When JESUS became the sacrifice for all my sins, I no longer needed to ask someone else to speak to GOD on my behalf.
• When JESUS ascended to Heaven, HE sent the COMFORTER to live inside me and now I have the HOLY SPIRIT as my advocate.

 

Fear makes me want to follow “The Law.” I mean, when I want my way, I follow “The Law” harder, hoping that GOD would see how “good” I am acting. BUT GOD sees through this temporary activity. HE sees my heart and knows I would leave HIM as soon as I get my way.

 

GOD wanted something permanent. JESUS volunteered to become the blame for my sins. I no longer have to fear if I upset GOD in some sinful way, because the answer is “Yes!” But that’s not all to the answer. HE also says “But I forgive you because you believe in MY SON.” I am glad I can walk without fear that GOD has left me, because JESUS loves me daily.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer trying to say about a “go-between?”
• Have you ever felt insecure so you wanted someone else to speak on your behalf?
• Will you get over your fears by confessing your sins directly to GOD by believing you need a Savior, namely JESUS who will give you the HOLY SPIRIT as your advocate today?

You ARE Special!

You ARE Special!

2 Corinthians 3: ¹² Because we have this hope, we are very bold. ¹³ We are not like Moses, who had to put a veil over his face so that the people of Israel would not see the brightness fade and disappear. ¹⁴ Their minds, indeed, were closed; and to this very day their minds are covered with the same veil as they read the books of the old covenant. The veil is removed only when a person is joined to Christ. ¹⁵ Even today, whenever they read the Law of Moses, the veil still covers their minds. ¹⁶ But it can be removed, as the scripture says about Moses: “His veil was removed when he turned to the Lord.” ¹⁷ Now, “the Lord” in this passage is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom. ¹⁸ All of us, then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces; and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit, transforms us into his likeness in an ever greater degree of glory.

 

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“What makes her special?” I said with a grouse. I would say the exact words she said in meetings, but they would listen to this “show stealer!” I asked someone that very question. He replied, “I don’t know, there is just something about her.” That answer did not help me!

 

• I wanted to feel special.
• I wanted to be noticed, so I mimicked other people.
• I wanted to be someone else other than myself because I felt like a nobody.

 

Paul explains a structure that was put in place through Moses. The Law of Moses pointed out what everyone was doing wrong and created shackles to its readers who faced death because of it.

 

Those who were put in place as leaders desired to feel “special” just like Moses once did as he donned a veil to pretend his face was still glowing. The leaders tried to make people feel they needed to go through a hierarchy to get to GOD and become “freed from death.”.

 

My Observations

• Belief in JESUS’ death burial and resurrection frees me to speak directly to the FATHER.
• Receiving the HOLY SPIRIT frees me to be led by GOD each day.
• Exposing my sins uncovers my face so GOD’s glory shines all the brighter.

 

Trying to be special is the problem. I mean, when I look at other people with jealous lenses or look at myself as not so good, then I reduce the uniqueness GOD placed in me. GOD made me special and only I can fulfill the purpose HE gave me. The great news is HE did the same for all who believe in JESUS.

 

The HOLY SPIRIT is placed inside anyone who believes in the power of the resurrection. HE then transforms us into HIS likeness day by day to shine GOD’s glory on many others. I am glad GOD sees me as special so I don’t have to try so hard to be special.

 

Challenge

• What “hope” is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever been jealous of someone’s abilities, or status or wealth or activities?
• Do you think you need a hierarchy to get to GOD through humans?
• Will you be freed by the HOLY SPIRIT and allow HIM to transform you into HIS likeness today?