A GREAT HIGH PRIEST

"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession." (2 Kings 17:25)

The pivotal, or central, elements of the Gospel have nothing whatsoever to do with what we have achieved or can achieve. We had no input into their accomplishment, and yet they were brought about in our behalf. The Word becoming flesh, living a perfect life, and laying down His life, had no input from us -- none whatsoever! His resurrection from the dead, ascension into glory, and being seated at the right hand of God is completely separate from our own achievements. His exaltation by God, present intercession, and soon return are not made effective by one jot or tittle from us. These are the work of the Lord alone, the baring of His arm, and the revelation of His purpose.

The preaching of these realities is the means employed by God to save and succor men. Proclaiming these facts brings Divinity to bare upon the hearts and consciences of men. This is a message to be grasped by faith, for faith alone can apprehend them.

It is necessary to establish this firmly to our hearts. There is no discipline as powerful as the Gospel. No methodology, however refined and seemingly effective, can compete with the preaching of the Gospel of Christ.

I do not find the Gospel generally extolled and proclaimed as the power of God today. I know the reason for this is primarily the blindness of men. However, I am also persuaded that proclaiming the Good News of Christ impinges upon men's careers and institutional prominence. It is not possible to become absorbed with Christ and, at the same time, promote purely personal and selfish interests.

I call your attention to the total absence of an institutional emphasis in the Scriptures. There is no mention of a "successful" or "model" church. There is no career path here, no secrets to effectively starting a church or evangelizing a community. There is no mention of missions, the great commission, or "full time" professional service for Christ. The polity of the local congregation is not mentioned, nor is the procedure for electing leaders. These are all human innovations.

You will not find an extended discourse on the family, a nation, or an organization. The absence of these things is remarkable, but perfectly reasonable. It does not suggest such things are unimportant, or that they are to be neglected. It DOES suggest living on a higher plane, and with heavenly values in mind, will bring God-honoring meaning to these areas.

The Holy Spirit affirms with great effectiveness that Jesus Christ, the Son of God IS our High Priest. "Seeing then that WE HAVE a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession" (Heb 4:14). ["Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess" NIV.]

Do not miss the power of this admonition! Holding fast our profession, or holding firmly to the faith we profess, is an obstinate refusal to quit believing, trusting, or relying upon our God! It is the repudiation of any inclination to cease hoping or quit looking for the completion of this great salvation. This is perseverance -- the perseverance of the saints.

And how will this determination to dwell with the Lord be realized? What is the catalyst for such faithfulness? For some, it is being linked up with what they consider to be a lively church. For others, it is an occasional good convention or rally. Some think long-term decisions to keep the faith are made in an environment of hype and supposed spiritual ecstasy. Whatever may be said of all those things -- and they all have some measured value -- there is nothing to compare with a consideration of our great High Priest, Jesus the Son of God.

Look at the text again, and marvel at its powerful simplicity. He does not say, "Since we have faith, let us hold fast . . . " Nor, indeed, does He say, "Because we have been saved by grace, let us persevere." Hear him! He does not say, "Because we are the sons of God, let us continue in the faith." Nor does the Spirit admonish us to be faithful because our sins are forgiven and we have the gift of the Holy Spirit. Our High Priest is the reason!

It is not the consideration of a High Priest on earth that invigorates our faith, but one in heaven – at the right hand of God. From there He is mediating the New Covenant. From there He continually makes intercession for us. From there He feeds and directs us. The blessings of God are sent to us from Jesus the High Priest – who is in heaven. His presence and ministry there are the guarantee that our faith is not in vain! Consider our "great High Priest." You will find your faith increasing, joy welling up, and hope being strengthened within you.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, help me to see the high priesthood more clearly. Help me to give more attention to Your Son's activity in heaven than my activity upon earth. Then, I know I will bring glory to You.

-- Tomorrow:  --