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Hebrews 7:14-19
Hebrews 7:14-19
14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
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1. Michael Cruz
For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. (7:14)
There's not much to say about verse fourteen. It states the facts and states them quite clearly. The priesthood was the responsibility of those in the line of Levi. Christ was in the line of Judah and not in the lineage of the Levites thus taking the glory away from the priestly class.
And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, (7:15)
This is a veiled reference to Christ. The author is not putting Christ on the same level as Melchizedec but matching their priestly natures. Melchizedek is a foreshadowance of the promise that is to come, and Christ is the fulfillment of that promise. They are one in regard to the function of a true priest, and yet they are distinct. Now, since Christ is the fulfillment of the priestly office, we no longer need a high priest in a person. This fulfillment brings to fruition the reasons for the human office.
And in what way are Melchizedek and Christ alike in regard to their priesthood? Well they both are priests by divine decree. They are the models for priesthood and not the Levitical priesthood as one might think. Melchizedek is a visual prophecy of the nature of the priesthood so by his life and actions he becomes the model. Christ fulfills it in a powerful and complete way by living the intended model of priesthood and by the fact that He has no earthly beginning (John 1:1-2) nor end. Melchizedek has no historical beginning nor end because he doesn't appear in anyone's lineage or genealogy but Christ has no beginning nor end because He is eternal.
Some today claim to have special gifts and offices. Quite often the titles prophet, apostle, evangelist, pastor and teacher are paraded about. Men advertise themselves and their abilities, yet to look at their lives leaves something lacking. For example, there are many men who stand behind a pulpit and claim to be teachers by the authority of a divine call, yet upon examination of their teaching in regard to scripture, it is evident that they fall short of their lofty ideals. How much better to consider these gifts fulfilled in the person and work of Christ and leave the matter of who and what we are in the hands of God. "For whosoever exalts himself will be humbled but whosoever humbles himself will be exalted." In this we can be sure that, "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it."
For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. (7:17)
We have seen verse seventeen before in verse 5:6. This was a quote from Psalm 110:4 which God decreed from eternity past. First, by sending the type of Christ, and then by sending Christ in the order of that type as fulfillment. And we can see this bestowed upon Him not just here and in Psalms but by the power of the life of the one without beginning or end, the one with power to lay His life down and pick it up again. Melchizedek's life testified to the order and Christ's life fulfilled the order.
For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. (7:18,19)
Here we have another verse that clearly resounds its meaning. The old covenant with Israel is set aside and no longer valid. It had no usefulness in removing sin! Only our one true high priest can take away sin: the Lord Jesus Christ.
The parenthetical expression in the first part of verse nineteen clarifies the point from verse eighteen all the more. For the law made nothing perfect. It has been said that there is not an ounce of grace in the tables of stone given by God at Mt. Sinai. There is plenty of evidence for this in the New Testament. Galatians and Romans both give some excellent examples; let us take a look at a few: In Romans 3:21 we see that we have a righteousness apart from the law to which the law and the prophets testify. Sin is not our master because we are free from the killing effect of the law to fulfill it by grace (Romans 6:14). We are released from condemnation to serve in a better way than by the written code (Romans 7:6). Again in Romans 8:3 we see that the law was powerless. It was the sacrifice of God's own son that condemned our sin (John 3:18). In Romans 10:4 we see where Paul rages against those who would strive to return to the useless law. Christ is the end of the law given to Moses. Lastly, the Love given by the spirit is the fulfillment of the law. There is so much more contained in the letter to the Galatians but we will leave that for another time.
Now we have a better hope that allows us into places we could not go before. Now we can enter in where no man has previously gone and lived. We now may come to God and come boldly!
Michael Cruz
a_la_cruz@technologist.com[ Top of Page ]
2. Maurice Bergeron
...it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah.(7:14a)
This statement affirms that the writer and his readers were in full agreement concerning the origin and Lordship of Jesus Christ.
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:2)
Once again place yourself in the shoes of your fathers: The Messiah that you and your new brethren have acknowledged as Lord has been violently rejected by your nation family. Messiah had foretold the coming destruction of everything you previously held as precious. What could be the future of your loved ones in this land where the wrath of God was soon to be revealed? For these reasons and more, the Sovereign God has provided you with this letter to prepare your hearts for the pilgrimage which lies just ahead. He accomplishes the preparation required by affirming previously known truth (The Lordship of Christ) joined by the added revelation of Christ, the High Priest of God.
The key phrase of Hebrews 4:16b, "that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need," is still a primary thrust of the writer throughout this letter.
For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. (7:18)
Here we have the sure word that the pre-existing commandment was being repealed because of its weakness and uselessness; the plain and simple fact was that the Mosaic Law never perfected anything. The Mosaic Law had failed to bring the twelve tribes to Christ. If they had been brought to Christ through the Law, Luke 21:20-24 would never had known fulfillment:
And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (Luke 21:20-24)
For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; (7:19a)
What these Hebrew Christians were then receiving through a good portion of this letter was the unique revelation of Christ's reign as King-Priest. Have you considered why these Hebrew brethren were in sore need of this tremendous truth? Last week I suggested it was because these Hebrew Christians were to part ways with the Old Covenant and its shadows. But that is only half of the truth. The balance of the truth is found in verse 19, where it reads; "...the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did;...." Just as leaving and cleaving is a prescription for a good marriage in this life, so it is for the next. These brethren were to enter upon a pilgrimage that would carry them to a new country, a heavenly country, and as we will see more perfectly later on in our study, these Hebrew Christians, our fathers in the faith, were now being readied to follow in the example of father Abraham.
...by the which we draw nigh unto God. 7:19b)
Again put yourself in their shoes. Now with the added revelation that your Lord shall not only reign as your King, but He will also serve as your High Priest, you are then prepared to begin your difficult journey encouraged by the knowledge that your King-Priest will ever be with you. His grand design and its objective is to draw you closer to Himself.
Pray that the Spirit of Christ use the studies of this letter to renew our understanding of the "better hope."
Maurice Bergeron
ic@mdc.net
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3. James McClarty
PICKING UP FROM WHERE WE LEFT OFF LAST WEEK:
For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. (7:14)
It's evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah - that's the fulfillment of prophecy. Abraham - who's been the focus of much of the early Hebrews letter - had a son named Isaac. Isaac had two sons, Jacob and Esau. Jacob received the birthright from his elder brother, and was later renamed Israel. He had twelve sons who became the progenitors of the 12 tribes of Israel.
As he prepared to die, Jacob gathered his sons to his bedside and pronounced blessings and curses over them. "And, Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days" (Gen. 49:1). The eldest, Reuben, was denied the birthright. Instead, it was given to Jacob's favorite son, the second youngest, Joseph. And, it was to be handed down past Joseph to his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (Gen.48).
Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright. (1Chron.5:1)
Oh, wait! There's an interesting tidbit! Even though the promise given to Abraham of land, riches, great nationhood, and possessing the gates of their enemies - those things which make up the birthright inheritance -were passed down from Abraham to Isaac to Jacob to Joseph to Ephraim and Manasseh, the very important genealogy through which the people retained their pedigree of descendancy was NOT to go through that line.
Why?
Well, because in the middle of his prophetic blessings, Jacob made an interesting distinction concerning his son, Judah:
Judah is a lion's whelp; from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion: who shall rouse him up? The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes: His eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk. (Gen.49:9-12)
The sceptre, the sign of kingly rulership, and the power to govern and make laws would remain within the tribe of Judah. But, even that special designation was not to be permanent. It would only last until "Shiloh" appeared, and all the people would gather to Him.
The description which followed included images of Christ riding the colt of an ass as He entered Jerusalem on what has come to be called "Palm Sunday," where the descendants of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi would declare Jesus to be the Messiah, the Son of David, whom they had been waiting for (Matt.21:9).
But, back to the history - certainly enough, after their 430 years of captivity in Egypt and 40 years wandering in the wilderness, the descendants of these 12 brothers settled in Canaan, fulfilling the word of God to Abraham that he would inherit that very land. They were united under King Saul and grew to greater prominence under King David and King Solomon. But, because of Solomon's involvement with foreign women, which led him to worship strange gods, the kingdom was divided and he was left with one tribe to rule - Judah. However, since Jerusalem was in the area of Benjamin, that tribe remained with Judah along with the Levites who served at the Jerusalem temple. The remainder of the tribes were ruled by Solomon's servant, Jeroboam.
Jeroboam, desperate to keep his rulership position, immediately taught the people to worship false idols, fearing that unity of worship would make the people want to return to their brethren and reunite the kingdom (1Kings12:26-30). The Southern Kingdom (ruled by Solomon's sons) took on the name "the house of Judah," and the Northern Kingdom became known as "the house of Ephraim," or Israel.
{Bonus section: So, all the descendants of Abraham were Hebrews, and every descendant of Jacob, called Israel, was an Israelite. But, not every Israelite was a Jew. Only the inhabitants of the Southern Kingdom, Judah, were ever called Jews. That's a vital distinction.}
Starting around 860 B.C. the nation of Assyria, under King Shalmaneser, warred against Israel and took them captive. Eventually both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms were conquered. The Assyrian king gave his own non-Hebrew people residence in the cities of the house of Ephraim:
And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Avva, and from Hamath and Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel; and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof. (2 Kin 17:24)
From that point forward into history, the Northern Kingdom never reunited. After the fall of Ninevah, Judah was re-established for a time before being conquered by Babylon, but the Northern ten tribes never returned to reclaim their inheritance in Canaan. They were dispersed throughout the Asian/European continent. Hence, they became known as "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Mat.10:6).
"Okay," you mutter, "Neat history Jimbo, but is there a relevant point coming up?"
Oh, yeh! Thanks for mentioning it! From the moment God made His one-sided covenant with Abram, He set about controlling the events of human history in such a way that, even though the majority of the descendants of Israel were scattered, the tribe through which Messiah would come was preserved intact. Now, that's despite captivities, wars, invasions, and persecution. No matter what the kings of the earth threw at them, the Nation of Judah remained. And, certainly enough, "when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son..." (Gal.4:4).
Now, the important matter as concerns the Hebrews' author was the fact that Jesus was well known as being a Judahite--a Jew. In fact, He's called "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David" in Rev. 5:5, fulfilling Jacob's prophecy - "Judah is a lion's whelp; from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion: who shall rouse him up?"
And, even though a portion of the tribe of Levi remained until Jesus's day, it was clear that nowhere in Scripture was a descendant of Judah spoken of as serving in the priesthood.
And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, (7:15)
We've covered Old Mel in detail, but the author brings him up again to make his critical point. The very fact that a new, separate order of priests had to be established makes obvious the fact that Christ's priestly authority did not come from Moses, Sinai, or any previous covenant. In other words, it's plain that Scripture was stone silent where a Judahite priesthood was concerned. But, that's okay because it clearly told of the establishment of a completely separate priesthood after the order of the one who received tithes from Abram.
To engage in a bit of necrophilious equine masochism (beating a dead horse), that's why Melchizedek is such a key player in this section of the author's treatise. He is the solitary figure upon whom the extra-Levitical priesthood of Christ is established. He is not merely a figure or type of Christ to come, he is the king/priest who established the existence of a priesthood dedicated to the worship of the Most High God.
Christ is not said to be a high priest who is merely reflected by Mel, but rather "after the order" of Mel. That means that the separate order of priesthood actually existed in Mel's time and continued to exist as sacred and legitimate in Christ's time.
Mel, therefore, is a very important personage and the Hebrews' author is giving him plenty of ink in an effort to convince us of his importance.
Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. (7:16)
The "who" in this sentence is a reference to "another priest" who rose up "after the similitude of Melchisedec." It's a reference to Christ. His authority to take on the priestly garments, enter into the Holiest Place, sacrifice blood to the Most High God, pouring it onto the mercy seat and interceding on behalf of His people, was not established by a set of commandments imposed by force on fleshly men.
Let me say that simpler ("Yes, please do!").
The Levitical priesthood was established and authorized by the Law given to Moses on Mt. Sinai, but the author refers to that law as "a carnal commandment." Carnality has to do with the lusts of the flesh. "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" (Romans 8:7). So, in order to control the actions of fleshly, carnal men, the commandments were set in place.
But, Christ doesn't draw his authority from that series of rules and regulations. His authority was established by the fact that He died and rose again. His authority was unquestionable by the fact that He rose into the Heavens to sit at the Father's right hand. His authority is without compromise or failure because it is based on the power of His unending life.
So, the fact that the Law of Moses said nothing about a Judahite serving as high priest is an unimportant matter. Jesus followed a different line of priests who are "without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life." As a result, He "abideth a priest continually."
For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. (7:17)
Our intrepid author quotes, yet again, Psalm 110:4. He's making sure that his audience understands that these revolutionary ideas are not from his own imagination, but are firmly rooted in Scripture.
For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. (7:18)
Think about how difficult that phrase must have been on the original recipients of this letter. Their entire life, religion, morals, and government were established on the commandments which came down from Sinai. But, here's the inspired writer saying those rules were weak and of no lasting value.
We, after two thousand years of theological debate and education, can see the several references throughout the New Testament which declare that the law was unable to save anyone, it could only stand to condemn those who failed to keep it. But, to the first century audience this must have been a stunning revelation.
The point, however, is without dispute. Only Christ's death and resurrection has ever been effective before the judgment bar of Heaven. Hence, since the perfect way to approach the "unapproachable" God has been revealed, there is no reason to prop up the old system and pretend that it has any lasting redemptive ability.
For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. (7:19)
The law made nothing perfect. Man, I'm glad I didn't say that. There are some, even today, who cling zealously to the law as a means of justifying themselves before God. To announce to them that the law made nothing perfect is to pull the rug out from under their self-assurance. But, that's a good thing, actually. After they tumble they may recognize their need for a helper, an advocate with the Father, a means of standing before God and "accepted in the beloved."
That's what the "better hope" accomplished. Notice the contrast and look deeply at what the author is saying. The law made nothing perfect ----but the better hope did! Perfect! Complete! Everything we need to secure our eternal salvation and Heavenly standing is found in the better hope! And, I like how simple and obvious the language is. The better hope didn't just make perfection a possibility and leave it up to us to fill in the blanks. The better hope actually makes men and women perfect before God!
Hooray!
And, now we can draw near! Look again at the contrast. At Sinai, only Moses was allowed to step onto the hillside; anyone else would be killed for the most minor encroachment. But, now we are invited to "press close" to our Father. We are able to everlastingly draw near to the omnipotent, Holy judge of the universe because of the better hope we have in Christ. That, in a nutshell, is the gospel.
What can I say to top that?
Jim McClarty
McClartyfam@juno.com
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4. Donald Blind
Out of Judah it is evident:
Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee. Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up? The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. (Genesis 49:8-10)
I use the KJV, but the NIV here may be of some help:
The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his. (Genesis 49:10)
Of course this fits with the even more evident Melchisedec. He has been discussed in previous comments. From all the way back in Genesis, these two concepts arise: The priest and the law giver. As we have stated before, Christ Jesus not only is the fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy as law giver, but He is the law Himself. That law is of an endless life. It cannot be codified, or shall I rather say, He cannot be codified, because that law (nomos) or in this case principle, is eternal life itself, Himself. The disannulling of the commandment is not that it is thrown away or abrogated, but that in the death of the Saviour, as Romans 7:4 clearly states: Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. It is evident again that the law of Moses made nothing perfect, this time in Romans 8:
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: (Rom. 8:2,3)
The better hope is stated later in this epistle:
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,... (Heb. 10:19-22)
Donald E. Blind
dblind@erols.com[ Top of Page ]
5. Tim Clifton
For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. (7:14)
"Judah" We saw in v.13 that our Lord Jesus did not come from the tribe of Levi, and thus we have a change in the priesthood and of necessity a change in the law v.12. Now we see which tribe He IS of: Judah! "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be" (Gen. 49:10). The days have finally come (Jer. 23:5), that God has raised a "righteous branch and a king" unto David.
And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, (7:15)
"Similitude of Melchisedec" Now this branch which is of Judah and out of the stem of Jesse and out of David has a name in Jer. 23:6, "The Lord our righteousness"! True righteousness could never come from the sons of Levi, but this one is after the likeness of a figure before the law of Aaron that was not only a priest, but also a KING! (v.1). And thus the Scriptures are fulfilled, and God hath raised up His Branch and His King. Never a king after Levi, but here is a king after another order. Yes, there arises definitely a king and a priest, whose name is Righteousness (Jer.23:6 & 33:16); whose name is the Prince of Peace (Isa.9:6, Heb.7:2); whose name is the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Gen.49:9, Rev.5:5); whose name is the Branch (Isa.11:1, Jer.23:5); whose name is our great High Priest (Heb.4:14, 5:10) and whose name is the King of kings and Lord of lords (Ps.72:11, Rev.19:6) - Jesus, our Messiah!
Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. (7:16)
"The power of an endless life" Verse 16 continues our closer look at the priesthood of Melchisedec as compared to the priesthood of the sons of Levi. We heard the incredible claim of Melchisedec in v.8, "He liveth"! Here we have the critical difference between Melchisedec's order and Aaron's order: the first is perfect and is "endless," the other is fleshly and thus finite. Just look at the text in this chapter alone, "abideth a priest continually", "he liveth", "a priest for ever", "he continueth ever", "an unchangeable priesthood", "he ever liveth" and "consecrated for evermore." The power of Christ over Aaron is the power of life over death, and that life is endless: there is nothing that can compare to that. The thrust of Hebrews here is to present Christ in such a way that the law of commandments pales and fades into the ashes of the altars of men. May each of us give this better priest the honor that Nebuchadnezzar did when he "..blessed the most High, and ..praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation."
For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. (7:17)
The proof of the better and endless life is again the everlasting nature of the order that the author of Hebrews is so careful to keep before our eyes. It is the oath of God Himself, and there is none better.
For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. (7:18)
"disannulling" We saw in v.11 the the law under the Levites was not perfect. Again in 8:7 we know it is not faultless, and in 10:1 is unable to make those that come to it perfect. So God said in Jeremiah:
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers (Jer. 31:31-32)
Well reader, the "days have come!" The law of the sons of Levi, of Aaron, of Moses, of Sinai or whatever you want to call the schoolmaster of the Most High has been "put away" and "abolished." It is "rejected" for a better law that is written in our hearts and not on stone. What ever is permanent is made a part of the writing that is not made with hands, and will be our new teacher (1 John 2:20,27). But righteousness will never again come by 'the law', for it was weak and unprofitable to do so, and we may truly put it behind us.
For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. (7:19)
"better hope" After this comparison of Aaron to Melchisedec we must conclude on the basis of the very Words of God, that whether we are Jew or Gentile, we have only one way to look, and that is to the Lord Jesus Christ. He has brought us a better hope and a better way according to His promises, and there is no going back to that which is unable to ever bring us 'nigh unto God.' For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (John 1:17). "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh" (Rom 8:3). Christ is not weak, and when He condemns sin, it is condemned indeed. He has done a work that ends all of ours, "by the which we draw nigh unto God"! And friends, "..it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works" (Ps.73:28).
In Christ,
Tim Clifton
tclifton@hotmail.com[ Top of Page ]
6. Kevin Hartley
Commentary:
A great ignorance has befallen the people of our day. Two thousand years have severally diminished our understanding of the Jew's amazement from the disturbing words of the book of Hebrews. For when the letter to the Hebrews was written, there remained a temple in Jerusalem, where sacrifices were made, and priests did serve. They could look and see the carnality of Aaron and his descendants; they could marvel over the bloodshed, and they could find themselves bewildered at the ornament and splendor of that fleshly system. Impugned by zealots, constrained by law men, and guilt ridden by their heritage, the readers of the epistle surely trembled to consider that all these things had finally been eclipsed, for there stood another in their day.
A new priest had risen in Jerusalem and He was a mysterious sight to behold, for the man did not trace His lineage from Aaron, and Levi was not His bloodline. He was but of the house of Judah. See the law man twitch; see his hands begin to tremble in anger and disbelief. How could such a Man be so insolent as to lay claim of superiority over all the splendors of Israel? He was but a plain and simple Man, unlearned, untrained in priestly things, a Man of lowly estate. He was a carpenter's son from Nazareth. Yet the more, the very own rulers of the people, the priests themselves, and the Pharisees and scribes of that day, found no cause to plead His case. He was despised and rejected, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, and they beheld Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted of God. If perhaps one could come to overlook His pedigree and lack of formal training; if one could overlook His upbringing and poor estate, as surely nothing good can come from Nazareth; if one could even overlook the opposition He faced in His day, surely such a one could never overlook His death. For God does vindicate the just, and no man, no priest, no Son of God could surely have died as this one. This then is the greatest offensiveness of the man; He died accursed upon a tree. We could not behold Him; we shook our heads and cried to the bleeding one, 'you trusted in God, let Him deliver you!' And we testify to this day that He died and was buried. Surely no such man could serve as priest. Now consider the great alarm of the Jew in that day to hear that this wretched man had risen to be High Priest, unlike any other to His day, but a priest after the order of Melchizedek. Then consider that this High Priest has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.
A great ignorance has befallen the people in our day. Much of this ignorance is acceptable in the passage of time. For we are far removed from the day of Aaron and Moses. Our day grows long. But a great deal of our ignorance is inexcusable. For we who are so far removed have lost the great awe found in the contrast between Aaron and Christ. We have stepped down from the hill of Sinai, and yet the more--from the heavenly heights of that great city built by God's hands above, and we have little regard for the ado of a High Priest arisen from the order of Melchizedek. Even more, we have little regard for the great joy that comes from knowing this transitional and remarkable event. Consider how great the delight, the thanksgiving, and the joy of the man who hears that another has come not according to the law of a fleshly commandment. Consider the burden removed from off of his back. The great burden of continual sacrifice, of fearful satisfaction, of a wrathful God, and sorrow of the corrupt and wicked heart of frail men. Consider the great elation of the soul that hears that another has risen, not of a fleshly order, but according to the power of an endless life. What amazement must the man know, to consider a priesthood with lasting, enduring, and propitiating power. What could such a thought mean for that burdened, troubled, plagued, and sorrow-filled man? It meant that he could run at last; He could run to the place where another sat, at the right hand of the Father, who had entered before us through the veil. With the burden and labor of the law and its demands having met and kissed the Son upon the cross, the man then comes to know a liberty unlike he has ever known before. He knows access to a room where no man could enter but one. How could a man ever construct a temporal, fleshly service after knowing of the superiority of another according to the power of an endless life?
A great ignorance has befallen the people in our day, an ignorance of the superiority of Jesus Christ the great and mighty High Priest. Lost is the regard for a burden bearer of heavenly renown. Gone is the great joy of freedom from the law. For we are a people who have lost an understanding of our great burden and debt. Our Christ is no more High priest, now He is but a help meet for our wanton needs. He has become our insurance agent, our crisis counselor, and our bank account for success and prosperity. We no longer stand in awe of His person; we no longer wonder at the rich and glorious garments of His priesthood; we no longer regard the blood stains that cover those clothes. We look to the man with pity, wondering why he was so foolish as to give those hands to nails, so foolhardy to do such a senseless act as dying, and we nod with a momentary thanks for such a noble act. But we have no regard for our great and wonderful High Priest. O let us all weep and howl this day for our blatant disregard and seeming indifference to His great and mighty service. Let us acknowledge our complicity in the crimes of our day. Let us prostrate ourselves in sorrow, knowing ourselves guilty of devaluing His glorious work. For we have not loved Him enough.
Consider Him. Consider that He has rendered death impotent in His service. Consider that He serves another priestly order. Consider that He is of a different kind. Consider that He rose up as one without father, without mother, without genealogy, a perfect man who acquainted Himself with our shame, our sorrow, our griefs; who suffered death, even death upon a cross, that we might have such a blessed and faithful High Priest. How cold is our love Christian? Can we so quickly pass by this blood stained ground? Can we nod the head at that momentary place of His death, there at the altar, there at the stained mercy seat, there where justice and mercy met and kissed, there where our High Priest gave Himself a sacrifice for our sins? Stop and marvel, cease your steps, you who, with indifference and seeming disregard, think little of this holy ground. For He served first to the end of atonement; He served that dying we might live; He served, a faithful and merciful High Priest. Stop, weep, howl, fall and cry out in sorrow this day. Cry for mercy to that man, mercy that you have not loved Him enough, that you cannot love Him enough. For He has the power of an endless life. Lord, grant to us greater love today. Restore unto us a proper regard for such a High Priest as this One. May we not with slackness, with callousness, and with contemptible indifference, kiss Him with a traitor's lips. But might we, who in our day of great seeming wealth and self-sufficiency, hear the apostle say, 'it is the Lord!' Might we hear in this very text, of One who has power of endless life, and might we leap to our feet and cast ourselves into the waters of repentance; might we swim with vigor to our Lord, who stands waiting with a meal upon the shore. Might we come forth from the waters of dripping tears, and see Him, embrace Him, and delight in Him, our faithful and merciful High Priest, and might we declare, "You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek." To God alone the glory.Kevin Hartley
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Go to Chapter Seven Verses 20 through 28
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