https://esv.literalword.com/?q=Hebrews+7
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Tuesday, 3 September 2024:
Hebrews 7:1-11 – Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron?
From Ligonier Ministries — Having established Jesus as superior to the angels and Moses in order to explain why it would be foolish to go back to the Judaism of the old covenant (Heb. 1–6), the author of Hebrews now must deal with the central feature of the old covenant system, the priesthood and animal sacrifices. After all, if something better than that is available in Christ, there is no good reason to abandon Him. The author begins in Hebrews 7:1–3 with the priesthood.
Hebrews 7 makes it clear that Christ’s position as priest in the order of Melchizedek is one important reason why it would be futile to return to the old covenant. In the Old Testament, we find the priest-king Melchizedek only in Genesis 14 and Psalm 110. These two enigmatic chapters were enough to encourage great speculation about Melchizedek at the time the author of Hebrews wrote. Many Jews believed that he would play a great role in the establishment of the Messianic rule. Some Essenes, for example, believed that Melchizedek would deliver them from the servants of Belial (unfaithful Jews).
We know that the role of Melchizedek in the history of redemption is greater than Abraham may have originally believed because of the reference to the everlasting priesthood of Melchizedek in Psalm 110. But God would not fully explain his importance until He moved the author of Hebrews to pen his letter.
We have already seen the author of Hebrews describe Jesus as “a high priest after the order of Melchizedek” (5:6, 10; 6:20), and in chapter 7 he explains why that is so significant. First, he notes how Jesus is similar to Melchizedek. He makes his argument based on the historical account of Melchizedek found in Genesis 14, which tells us how Melchizedek, priest of God Most High, blessed Abraham and received tithes from the patriarch after he rescued Lot from a confederation of Canaanite kings (Heb. 7:1–2). This enigmatic priest is a fitting model of Jesus for several reasons. First, his name means “king of righteousness,” as it comes from the Hebrew words melek (king) and zedek (righteousness). Jesus, of course, is the prophesied Messiah who establishes His kingdom in righteousness (Isa. 9:7).
Second, Melchizedek is king of Salem (later called Jerusalem), making him a “king of peace” (Heb. 7:2). Here the author looks to the word Salem, which features the same Hebrew root as shalom, or “peace.” Jesus is Prince or King of Peace according to the promise of Isaiah 9:6.
Finally, Melchizedek “is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life,” making him like Jesus, who, as the Son of God, has no beginning or end (Heb. 7:3). The author of Hebrews makes a typological connection here, for Melchizedek appears seemingly out of nowhere in Genesis 14, with no description of his parents or genealogy, and then he disappears without any mention of his death. Judging just from the narrative in Genesis, it is as if he has no origin or conclusion. Jesus is like this, only He is much greater, for according to His deity, He does not merely seem to have no beginning or end; rather, according to His divine nature, He actually has always been and will always be.
The author of Hebrews will use these similarities to prove that Jesus’ priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood. But at this point, we see clearly that the author has the highest view of Jesus, understanding the Son to be very God of very God.
It is impossible to walk away from an honest reading of Hebrews—indeed, from an honest reading of the entire New Testament—without the highest view of the person of Christ. He is no ordinary human founder of a world religion like Muhammad or the Buddha. Instead, He is the very God of the universe. We are called to believe and defend this precious truth with all the strength God gives us.
Hebrews 7:16 – …who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.
Jesus’ authority does not come from regulations but from His deity. Our righteousness does not come from our behavior but rather because of His declaration of our righteousness. Also, a disciple’s authority comes from God not from human institutions. All power and authority is Christ’s, from Him all things were created, and He is eternal life. Listen to Him.
Hebrews 7:19 – …(for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
Again, lawfulness cannot make you righteous, only Jesus can. Living righteously is the natural product of being made righteous through Christ. You cannot make yourself righteous. You can only receive the righteousness of Christ and then grow up in righteousness until He perfects you in righteousness upon His return. In Christ, growing in righteousness increasingly becomes what is desired in your heart rather than what is required – His will increasingly becomes your will as you grow in love and unity with Him. You can do nothing better in your life.
Hebrews 7:26 – For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
Only Jesus can satisfy your eternal need and give you eternal peace.
Hebrew 7:26-28 – For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
Jesus Christ has paid for your sins “once for all when he offered Himself.” It is finished – if you are a Christian you are forgiven, completely, unconditionally, and permanently. Nothing can be added or taken away from God’s forgiveness – forgiveness through Christ is perfect. Under the priesthood of Jesus we now have been made a “royal, holy priesthood” (1 Pet 2:5-9) and a holy “kingdom of priests” (Rev 5:10, Exodus 19:6) among the kingdoms of men which are corrupt and ungodly. Among those nations, we serve our King as ambassadors, proclaiming the King’s message to the fallen world. Today’s readings in Isaiah state: “The Lord is angry with all nations; his wrath is upon all their armies. He will totally destroy them (Isaiah 34:2)” but “the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our King; it is He who will save us. (Isaiah 33:22).” Your kingdom is “not of this world. (John 18:36)” You were once of this world but God saved you from this world, redeemed you, and made you a new creation, holy, set apart for His purposes and His glory (1 Cor 1:28, 5:10). You are now called to “seek the Kingdom” and to struggle “not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph 6:12).” Today, pledge allegiance to your King and serve Him faithfully. Proclaim His message to the world. Remember, your obedience does not add to your salvation but contributes to your sanctification, fulfilling your purpose of being conformed to the image of Christ.
Jesus’ sacrifice covers all sin, once and for all.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 3 September 2024: Obey Jesus today, not in an attempt to make yourself righteous but rather to grow closer to Jesus in love, grateful for His grace and imputed righteousness. (Hebrews 7)
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 