But because He remains forever, He holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore, He is always able to save those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them. For this is the kind of high priest we need: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He doesn’t need to offer sacrifices every day, as high priests do — first for their own sins, then for those of the people. He did this once for all when He offered Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak, but the promise of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son, who has been perfected forever. (Hebrews 7: 24-28)
Amen! What is so amazing to me is that God, in His infinite wisdom, knew that we would need a Savior. God is Light; no darkness can be in Him. He is Perfection; no impurity or sin can be in Him. God knew that in our humanness we would sin. We are full of darkness and impurities. In studying the Old Testament, the old covenant had priests put into place to make daily sacrifices for themselves and for their people. The first five books of the Old Testament are full of laws and regulations that had to be kept in order for the people to be forgiven of their sins. As I read about those, the rituals and tasks seem completely daunting… burning animals, incense, sprinkling blood, and all of the other things to be washed clean. I can’t even imagine finding the time or having the energy to set up alters and such upon which to offer sacrifices. Not to mention, it just seems so harsh and strict. What if I burned the wrong animal at the wrong time of day? What if I didn’t sprinkle the blood of the goat on the correct parts of the alter? There really isn’t a lot of grace in that plan. These sacrifices and rituals seem like they would make God feel so distant, so formal, even angry. And God knew… He knew what the world really needed. We needed a Savior who would come to earth and live a sinless life, a life honoring to God. He knew that it needed to be God in the flesh, His One and Only Son. His sacrifice on Calvary was harsh. It was horrible. Painful. Dreadful. Yet God, so lovingly, so sparingly, so willingly, gave up His Son for us. No longer is my forgiveness in the hands of an earthy priest. No longer is my forgiveness contingent on the blood of a goat or lamb. Hallelujah!
When I think about God’s sacrifice for me, my view of Him totally transforms. He is no longer this stoic and angry God who rules with a scepter that will zap me at the first wrong thing I do. Yes, He is powerful and all-knowing, mighty and capable of doing anything that He wishes. But I have learned that He is also so loving and giving. He cherishes me, adores me. He enjoys my fellowship with Him. God is worthy of my trust and my praise. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and my belief in Him guarantees me a place in God’s Kingdom. I am His, chosen and beloved. This new covenant is full of grace and love. How thankful I am for Jesus and what He did for me. As I sing the words to the song “Your Great Name,” my heart is so filled up and so moved to praise Him. He alone is worthy for praise, adoration, and glory.
Your Great Name by Natalie Grant
Lost are saved; find their way; at the sound of Your great name
All condemned; feel no shame, at the sound of Your great name
Every fear; has no place; at the sound of Your great name
The enemy; he has to leave; at the sound of Your great name
[Chorus:]
Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us, Son of God and Man
You are high and lifted up; that all the world will praise Your great name
[Verse 2:]
All the weak; find their strength; at the sound of Your great name
Hungry souls; receive grace; at the sound of Your great name
The fatherless; they find their rest; at the sound of Your great name
Sick are healed; and the dead are raised; at the sound of Your great name
[Chorus:]
Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us, Son of God and Man
You are high and lifted up; that all the world will praise Your great name
[Bridge:]
Redeemer, My Healer, Almighty
My Savior, Defender, You are My King
[Chorus:]
Jesus, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us, Son of God and Man
You are high and lifted up; that all the world will praise Your great name
Jesus, thank You for loving me so much that You died on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins. That is love, true love. And forever will I praise You.
Suzie (suzielawyer)
Sixty-six books in a year 