Bible Pathway - December 13

Read Hebrews 5

Highlights:

Christ, the High Priest; priestly order of Melchisedic; Aaronic priesthood inferior to Christ's priesthood.

And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron (Heb. 5:4).

In Israel, there was a vast difference between the high priest and the other priests. The high priest was the only one permitted to enter the Holy of Holies into the very presence of God; and then only once a year. He alone bore on his forehead the golden crown with the words: HOLINESS TO THE LORD (Ex. 28:36-38), and only he could offer sacrifices for the sins of the nation and intercede on the annual Day of Atonement.

In the Old Testament, an unblemished animal took the place of an Israelite and was slain in his place for his sin. Thus, the devout Jew was continually reminded that it is the blood that made atonement. In fulfillment of God's plan the need for those numerous sacrifices ceased on the day Jesus, the sinless Son of God, died on the cross for our sins as the Lamb of God. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

How thankful we are that mercy is an attribute of God, for it is one of our greatest daily needs. Mercy is an expression of His willingness to forgive sinners and deliver them from eternal hell. Mercy is a practical demonstration of love and compassion. But, because God is holy, He must also enforce the penalty for sin not showing any favoritism. And if ye call on the Father who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear (1 Pet. 1:17). The Scripture is very clear as to what that penalty for sin is. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 6:23). Of course, the second half of that verse holds the good news.

Our highest privilege is to press on to be like Him and treasure the love of God as the most precious thing in our lives. Too often our trouble is not that we do not know the will of God, but rather, that we do not yield to His will even though He makes it very clear. Resting in Jesus' finished work of grace can be deceptive by assuming there is nothing for us to do. Christ's soon return should be our strongest motivation to do the Savior's will. We should be concerned with the souls of those who are not ready to meet Jesus. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision (Joel 3:14). Let us commit ourselves to the work of leading them out of the valley to an acceptance of Christ and His free gift of salvation.

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:13-14).

Thought for the Day: When distress closes upon us, we can call on the Lord and He will hear.

Cross References:

For Heb. 5:5: See Ps. 2:7. Heb. 5:6: See Ps. 110:4. Heb. 6:14: See Gen. 22:17.

Word Studies:

6:17 immutability of His counsel, unchangeableness of His will and purpose.

Prayer Suggestion: Pray,trust in the Lord and wait on Him for He will hear you (Mic. 7:7).

Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 1:37