Day 219, Hebrews 6
The central chapters of Hebrews focus on Jesus, our most excellent High Priest. There were many priests in the Jewish nation, and most fell short of the standards God set. But Jesus (and His forerunner, Melchizedek), differ from this pattern, and are our inspiration, revelation, and empowerment to live at rest in relationship with God.
As we do, we will go deeper in that relationship. Chapter 6 shows us the way. The foundation is to renounce our own works and efforts, and trust God’s Word (both written and lived in Jesus).
The alternative is to turn away from what God reveals to us in Christ, and that is the path to great loss. Receiving the gift of relationship through Jesus, experiencing all the benefits that accompany this restoration, then turning away to reject it all, is like a good field still producing thorns and thistles despite drinking in the good rain. Eventually all that evil will have to be burned away. This fate is clearly portrayed as the ultimate conclusion of a long journey over time, with the possibility constantly present to turn back toward passionate pursuit of God’s grace.
Left to ourselves, we may produce thorns and thistles, but God is patient with us, not calling on our faithfulness to fulfill His purpose, but swearing by Himself that what He has decided will be completed. So whenever we are aware of our unfaithfulness, we can run into His faithfulness and be strengthened to seize what God has already prepared for us - an unshakeable hope.
Jesus is forever a king-priest like Melchizedek, and His throne of mercy is our hope, anchoring us into eternal relationship and rest.
Have a great day!
Mark.