"Hear the Word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land." (Hosea 4:1)
We see this in our own world today. Priests were then (and still are) in large numbers all appointed by men. Generally, priests come from a line of successors, stepping into high offices promoted by a religious system. In fact, there was a saying during the dark ages -- “That in Europe, priests were as numerous as black flies.” May we also suggest that with a host of priests comes an oft times corrupted message -- another gospel -- that is in stark contrast to the gospel message that our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ delivered.
In this case, the gospel message they delivered to the people was as polluted as a black fly infestation. The only retardant to the progress of their religious pursuit was that death curtailed their expansion, at least temporarily. However, when we converse concerning the Priesthood of God, we recognize that God’s unchangeable priesthood continues ever. As it is written, JESUS is the same yesterday, today and forever. He knows all about your life, the ups and downs, the tears, the heartaches and sorrows. That is why He is a Faithful High priest touched with the feelings of our infirmities. One who is compassionate. For God Himself, as a Son was tempted and tried in all points, just like we are.
That is why we speak of Jesus as being our One and Only High Priest. There is no other. When we profess that Jesus is GOD Himself as a Son, He is mankind’s priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. Jesus, God Himself, is the only mediator between man and God. The scriptures declare this. There is only one mediator between God and man and that is Jesus the Christ. His Priesthood is untransferable.
Why? Because Jesus' priesthood is permanent and does not hail from a long list of successors, as our religious priests do.
This is why when we come to Jesus, everything in our life changes. Jesus turns "our" light switch on to the point that you will never be the same person again. He is able to save you completely, totally and absolutely all those who approach His priestly office. Yes! Here is the High priest who willingly responds to our every need. In so doing, He whispers sweet peace to me and you. The stormy sea subdues and the strong wind ceases and as a consequence, we find rest in Him.
Most of all, we find ourselves wholly safe in the arms of Jesus because we know in whom we have believed.
There is no con artist at work. No impostors. He came to you first so that He could be your friend. Yes He did. And with God on our side, who shall accuse us of anything? Christ has died for our sins once and for all. He rose from the grave confirming our justification. God, swearing Himself to an oath, that stated that all of our sins and iniquities, He would remember no more. Again, there is now no more sacrifice for sin.
Therefore, run as fast as you can to Jesus. He is the one and only Author of salvation. He is the beginning and the ending, the Alpha and Omega the first and the last. What He has promised to do for you He will perform. It is impossible for God to lie. And why would He? Here is the same God who created us willing to become a man to bring us salvation. The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)
Therefore, comfort one another with these words. Remember too that God as a son sacrificed Himself. The battle is over. The victory is won. Come just as you are to Jesus who is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)
Similarly, read the record in Hebrews. Melchisedec was the king of the city of Salem and priest of the most high God. Abraham returning from a battle (known as the battle of the kings) was blessed by Melchisedec. What was the blessing? Melchisedec brought forth bread and wine. There stood Abraham who is spoken of in the scriptures as the father of the faithful before Melchisedec receiving a blessing represented as bread and wine.
So what does all this mean? In the first place, His name primarily means King of Righteousness and Justice. Melchisedec is without a record of father, or mother, or lineage. There is simply no genealogy, no pedigree or ancestry in the records. Further, there is no record of birth or a record indicating the end of His life. Indeed, it would appear that He was never born nor did He ever die. His life is a true symbol of the Son of God, and now as a priest He blesses Abraham, appearing with bread and wine. He continues to be a priest without interruption. No successor.
Mark the dignity of this man. How great this man must have been. The lesser is blessed by the greater and still the blessing is symbolized in bread and wine.
Rock of Ages cleft for me ... Let me hide myself in thee ... Let the water and the blood ... From thy wounded side which flowed. Such is our High Priest. Meditate upon these things. Stand in the offering plate.
We see this in our own world today. Priests were then (and still are) in large numbers all appointed by men. Generally, priests come from a line of successors, stepping into high offices promoted by a religious system. In fact, there was a saying during the dark ages -- “That in Europe, priests were as numerous as black flies.” May we also suggest that with a host of priests comes an oft times corrupted message -- another gospel -- that is in stark contrast to the gospel message that our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ delivered.
In this case, the gospel message they delivered to the people was as polluted as a black fly infestation. The only retardant to the progress of their religious pursuit was that death curtailed their expansion, at least temporarily. However, when we converse concerning the Priesthood of God, we recognize that God’s unchangeable priesthood continues ever. As it is written, JESUS is the same yesterday, today and forever. He knows all about your life, the ups and downs, the tears, the heartaches and sorrows. That is why He is a Faithful High priest touched with the feelings of our infirmities. One who is compassionate. For God Himself, as a Son was tempted and tried in all points, just like we are.
That is why we speak of Jesus as being our One and Only High Priest. There is no other. When we profess that Jesus is GOD Himself as a Son, He is mankind’s priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. Jesus, God Himself, is the only mediator between man and God. The scriptures declare this. There is only one mediator between God and man and that is Jesus the Christ. His Priesthood is untransferable.
Why? Because Jesus' priesthood is permanent and does not hail from a long list of successors, as our religious priests do.
This is why when we come to Jesus, everything in our life changes. Jesus turns "our" light switch on to the point that you will never be the same person again. He is able to save you completely, totally and absolutely all those who approach His priestly office. Yes! Here is the High priest who willingly responds to our every need. In so doing, He whispers sweet peace to me and you. The stormy sea subdues and the strong wind ceases and as a consequence, we find rest in Him.
Most of all, we find ourselves wholly safe in the arms of Jesus because we know in whom we have believed.
There is no con artist at work. No impostors. He came to you first so that He could be your friend. Yes He did. And with God on our side, who shall accuse us of anything? Christ has died for our sins once and for all. He rose from the grave confirming our justification. God, swearing Himself to an oath, that stated that all of our sins and iniquities, He would remember no more. Again, there is now no more sacrifice for sin.
Therefore, run as fast as you can to Jesus. He is the one and only Author of salvation. He is the beginning and the ending, the Alpha and Omega the first and the last. What He has promised to do for you He will perform. It is impossible for God to lie. And why would He? Here is the same God who created us willing to become a man to bring us salvation. The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11)
Therefore, comfort one another with these words. Remember too that God as a son sacrificed Himself. The battle is over. The victory is won. Come just as you are to Jesus who is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)
Similarly, read the record in Hebrews. Melchisedec was the king of the city of Salem and priest of the most high God. Abraham returning from a battle (known as the battle of the kings) was blessed by Melchisedec. What was the blessing? Melchisedec brought forth bread and wine. There stood Abraham who is spoken of in the scriptures as the father of the faithful before Melchisedec receiving a blessing represented as bread and wine.
So what does all this mean? In the first place, His name primarily means King of Righteousness and Justice. Melchisedec is without a record of father, or mother, or lineage. There is simply no genealogy, no pedigree or ancestry in the records. Further, there is no record of birth or a record indicating the end of His life. Indeed, it would appear that He was never born nor did He ever die. His life is a true symbol of the Son of God, and now as a priest He blesses Abraham, appearing with bread and wine. He continues to be a priest without interruption. No successor.
Mark the dignity of this man. How great this man must have been. The lesser is blessed by the greater and still the blessing is symbolized in bread and wine.
Rock of Ages cleft for me ... Let me hide myself in thee ... Let the water and the blood ... From thy wounded side which flowed. Such is our High Priest. Meditate upon these things. Stand in the offering plate.
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