In so doing, they adhere to a major contradiction. Some of these same believers then claim that the law is still for us today. Christians talk about Jesus as their Savior, their Lord, and the author (priest) of their forgiveness. For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests" ( Hebrews 7:13-14). belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. It’s crucial to realize that the law and Jesus just don’t mix. And that’s exactly what has happened-the whole system has changed! How then can we rightfully look to Jesus as our priest today? If the priestly line has changed, then the whole system for relating to God has to be replaced. According to the law, Jesus as high priest makes no sense at all. Today, Christians regard Jesus Christ as their high priest. No one from Judah’s line had ever served as priest. The law required that a person be from the tribe of Levi to qualify as high priest, but Jesus was from the tribe of Judah. But Jesus of Nazareth would have no papers, at least none that would meet the requirements. Imagine being a fly on the wall during a hypothetical dialogue between Moses and Jesus of Nazareth. Then what is it exactly that makes today so different from 2000 or so years ago? It has everything to do with the New. What is it that makes our situation better than theirs? Has God changed? Certainly not. And on this side of the cross, we possess something better than they ever enjoyed. Such dedication, such commitment-yet what do we learn about these witnesses? They did not receive what was promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect" ( Hebrews 11:39-40, italics added). Referring to Old Testament believers, the author of Hebrews writes, "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. Then how could you possibly obtain a better relationship with God than they had?īefore we answer the how, let’s make sure that this is indeed the case. Have you been tested to such lengths? Have you proven to be equally committed? Likely, the answer is no. These heroes were mocked, imprisoned, and even stoned to death because of their faith. Through the author of Hebrews, God tells of their commitment, their sacrifice, and their surrender to his ways. You may know about the famous heroes of the faith mentioned in Hebrews 11-people such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses. I believe it’s time for the church to wake up and realize how good we have it today on this side of the cross. How arrogant! How bold! I hope I’ve startled you and perhaps even ruffled your feathers a bit, because I intend to. Not in a million years would I want David’s relationship with God over my own. What closeness they had with God! How they walked with him and were used by him! Wouldn’t it be great to be one of them? Perhaps you’d be willing to trade your own relationship with God for theirs instead? If so, I couldn’t agree with you less. Perhaps you’d like to be David or Esther or Daniel. Imagine what it would be like to be them. Put yourself in the place of your favorite Old Testament character for a moment.
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