[23] The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, [24] but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. [25] Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:23–25)
I’m not alone in this.
I can’t be alone in this.
I’ll read the same Bible passage a dozen times over an extended period, finding nothing exceptional about that section of Scripture. The next time I read the passage it shakes me like lightning that strikes the ground before the thunder is heard.
Lightning struck again with Hebrews 7:25.
The author of Hebrews does a masterful job of comparing the Jewish High Priests with Jesus as the final Great High Priest. In Hebrews 7:23 -24 we are reminded that Jesus is the last High Priest because He lives forever. Therefore, “he always lives to make intercessions” for God’s people.
That was the bolt from the blue.
I don’t know how many times I’ve read this passage, but I do know it’s the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. I think that’s why I found the passage so striking. There was such a sense of powerlessness at the height of the pandemic. Feelings of powerlessness ebbs and flows today, spiking with discoveries of new COVID-19 variants.
In the midst of this powerlessness, we’re reminded the Jesus didn’t just die and rise for the forgiveness of the sins of the world. Our Lord didn’t just ascend to heaven to wait for the second coming. No, Jesus sits at the right hand of God the Father. Jesus is now interceding for His people. And the One who intercedes is omnipotent.
It doesn’t matter that we are powerless in so many areas of life. The One interceding for us provides all we need. That was the bolt from the blue.
(This devotion was written for the congregations of the Ohio District – LCMS.)
Kevin Wilson 360 