Tag Archives: Jesus is our High Priest

Jesus, Our High Priest D9

Hebrews 8:7-13 image

Day 9

If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. But when God found fault with the people, he said: “The day is coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them, says the Lord. But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already. And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear. Hebrews 8:7‭-‬13

Greek: διαθήκη
Transliteration: diathēkē
Pronunciation: dee-ath-ay’-kay
Definition: From G1303; properly a disposition that is (specifically) a contract (especially a devisory will): – covenant testament.
KJV Usage: covenant (20x), testament (13x).
Occurs: 33
In verses: 30

So, this scripture is talking about a covenant, a divine contract, between God and the people. Apparently, the first covenant (contract) was faulty. God found fault with the people. So, the 1st covenant/contract was made obsolete. The people breached the contract and made it devoid. Henceforth, a new covenant had to be put in place. God will and did put his laws in the people’s minds and write it on their hearts. The people will already know God because of this; not requiring anyone to be taught of Him.

Covenants/Contracts are a very serious big deal. They are even more powerful and important than a promise.

How does this apply to our lives today? Well, contracts are very relevant in today’s world. They’re used in all sorts of situations, from leasing a place to live, to businesses conducting business. Even between two people who want a structure of some sort to something they’re doing together. Heck, people even call a marriage a contract.

As I stated above, they’re very serious and a big deal. It’s a serious issue when a contract is breached. Serious consequences happen when it’s breached.

We need to have integrity and honesty in place. We need to keep our end of the deal or suffer the bad consequences.

Dear Father God. Thank You for Your covenant with us (me and the readers of this blog and all of Your children). I pray that we keep our end of the deal. I pray for direction and guidance in our lives. You know we get terribly distracted in life. I pray for focus and redirection when that happens. Nobody likes to suffer. Although, at times, we must be put to the test and come out better for You. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

aaron burden unsplash image

Jesus, Our High Priest D9

Day 9

If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. But when God found fault with the people, he said: “The day is coming, says the Lord , when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt. They did not remain faithful to my covenant, so I turned my back on them, says the Lord. But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already. And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” When God speaks of a “new” covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. It is now out of date and will soon disappear. Hebrews 8:7‭-‬13

Greek: διαθήκη

Transliteration: diathēkē Pronunciation: dee-ath-ay’-kay

Definition: From G1303; properly a disposition that is (specifically) a contract (especially a devisory will): – covenant testament.

KJV Usage: covenant (20x), testament (13x).

Occurs: 33
In verses: 30

So, this scripture is talking about a convenant, a divine contract, between God and the people.

Apparently, the first covenant (contract) was faulty. God found fault with the people. So, the 1st covenant/contract was made obsolete. The people breached the contract and made it devoid. Henceforth, a new covenant had to be put in place. God will and did put his laws in the people’s minds and write it on their hearts. The people will already know God because of this; not requiring anyone to be taught of Him.

Covenants/Contracts are a very serious big deal. They are even more powerful and important than a promise.

How does this apply to our lives today? Well, contracts are very relevant in today’s world. They’re used in all sorts of situations, from leasing a place to live, to businesses conducting business. Even between two people who want a structure of some sort to something they’re doing together. Heck, people even call a marriage a contract.
As I stated above, they’re very serious and a big deal. It’s a serious issue when a contract is breached. Serious consequences happen when it’s breached.
We need to have integrity and honesty in place. We need to keep our end of the deal; or suffer the bad consequences.

Dear Father God. Thank You for Your covenant with us (me and the readers of this blog and all of Your children). I pray that we keep our end of the deal. I pray for direction and guidance in our lives. You know we get terribly distracted in life. I pray for focus and redirection when that happens. Nobody likes to suffer. Although, at times, we must be put to the test and come out better for You. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus, Our High Priest D8

Hebrews 8:1-6 Image

Day 8

Here is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven. There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle, the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands. And since every high priest is required to offer gifts and sacrifices, our High Priest must make an offering, too. If he were here on earth, he would not even be a priest, since there already are priests who offer the gifts required by the law. They serve in a system of worship that is only a copy, a shadow of the real one in heaven. For when Moses was getting ready to build the Tabernacle, God gave him this warning: “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.” But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. Hebrews 8:1‭-‬6

Greek: μεγαλωσύνη
Transliteration: megalōsunē
Pronunciation: meg-al-o-soo’-nay
Definition: From G3173; greatness that is (figuratively) divinity (often God himself): – majesty.
KJV Usage: Majesty (2x), majesty (1x).
Occurs: 3
In verses: 3

The dictionary defines majesty as this:
supreme greatness or authority; sovereignty

A supreme ruler. God is our supreme ruler. He gave this title and honor to Jesus to represent Himself as our creator; as our High Priest.

How does this apply to our life, today? How do we apply it to our life?

We need to give God the credit He is due. We owe him our lives. He created us. He can take us down just as quickly as He gave us life. Remember the scriptures where people died when they didn’t trust and obey God? Look it up. Don’t take my word for it.

Defiant behavior will be addressed by God in due time. He can unleash His wrath on us at any time. He doesn’t need our permission. Also, He can go on with or without us. We are here because of Him, not us. God has the final word and He is the final authority of all. This is the part where we need to have the fear of God in us. We need to revere Him and have reverence for Him.

So, at the end of the day, we need to trust and obey God and surrender our all to Him. He knows what He’s doing. Even when we don’t know what He’s doing. It’s for our own good.

Yes, I’ve messed up, lots. Satan makes life confusing and difficult for us. We simply need to understand that he started this whole mess of fallen man. Remember Adam and Eve, how satan deceived them in the Garden? Satan is still at it and he doesn’t let up. In fact, the more aligned with God you are and being an example of Jesus in your life, the more satan deceives you to steer you wrong. Know his wiles. Stomp him down in Jesus’ name. At the name of Jesus, satan is unable to even stand… he crumbles and withers. Keep Jesus’ name on your lips, in your mind, and in your daily living.

Dear Abba Yah, Father God, I thank You for all You do and continue to do in the life of Your children. I pray for all of us to keep ourselves in Your word and to be an example of You to draw the lost to You. I thank You, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus, Our High Priest D6

Hebrews 7:13-24 Image

Day 6

The priest whom we are talking about was a member of a different tribe. No one from that tribe ever served as a priest at the altar. Everyone knows that our Lord came from the tribe of Judah. Moses never said anything about priests coming from that tribe. The regulations were different. This became clear when a different priest who is like Melchizedek appeared. That person is a priest, not because he met human requirements, but because he has power that comes from a life that cannot be destroyed. The Scriptures say the following about him: “You are a priest forever, in the way Melchizedek was a priest.” The former requirements are rejected because they are weak and useless. Moses’ Teachings couldn’t accomplish everything that God required. But we have something else that gives us greater confidence and allows us to approach God. None of this happened without an oath. The men from the tribe of Levi may have become priests without an oath, but Jesus became a priest when God took an oath. God said about him, “The Lord has taken an oath and will not change his mind. You are a priest forever.” In this way Jesus has become the guarantee of a better promise. There was a long succession of priests because when a priest died he could no longer serve. But Jesus lives forever, so he serves as a priest forever. That is why he is always able to save those who come to God through him. He can do this because he always lives and intercedes for them. Hebrews 7:13‭-‬25

Strong’s Number – G2420
Greek: ἱερωσύνη
Transliteration: hierōsunē
Pronunciation: hee-er-o-soo’-nay
Definition: From G2413; sacredness that is (by implication) the priestly office: – priesthood.
KJV Usage: priesthood (4x).
Occurs: 4
In verses: 4

Here we see the sacredness of the office of the priesthood. Because Jesus is who He is; makes it most sacred. He is once and forever to save those who come to God through Him. It lasts forever. He lives forever to intercede with God on our behalf.

We can trust Jesus, Father God, & the Holy Spirit. Jesus is our once and for all and forever High Priest. He intercedes on our behalf with God. I mean, those of us who are His children. Until we are His children, saved by His grace, and have faith in accepting Him as our savior; we’re simply noisy gongs in His ears. We MUST be saved and be His children for Him to intercede on our behalf with God.

Where do you stand with God? I challenge you to vertically align yourself and spend some time with Him. Let’s share and connect through God.

Dear Father God, Abba Yah, I lift up the readers of this blog. I pray for them to reach out to You and grow stronger in their faith of You. I pray that they’re blessed and bless others as well. Thank You for using me to share Your word and the Good News of Jesus, our Saviour. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer! In Jesus’ name, amen!

Jesus, Our High Priest D5

Hebrews 7:1-7 image

Day 5

Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. He met Abraham and blessed him when Abraham was returning from defeating the kings. Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had captured. In the first place, Melchizedek’s name means king of righteousness. He is also called king of Salem (which means king of peace). No one knows anything about Melchizedek’s father, mother, or ancestors. No one knows when he was born or when he died. Like the Son of God, Melchizedek continues to be a priest forever. You can see how important Melchizedek was. Abraham gave him a tenth of what he had captured, even though Abraham was the father of the chosen people. Moses’ Teachings say that members of the tribe of Levi who become priests must receive a tenth of everything from the people. The priests collect it from their own people, Abraham’s descendants. Although Melchizedek was not from the tribe of Levi, he received a tenth of everything from Abraham. Then Melchizedek blessed Abraham, who had God’s promises. No one can deny that the more important person blesses the less important person. Hebrews 7:1‭-‬7

Strong’s Number – G2409
Greek: ἱερεύς
Transliteration: hiereus
Pronunciation: hee-er-yooce’
Definition: From G2413; a priest (literally or figuratively): – (high) priest.
KJV Usage: priest (31x), high priest (1x).
Occurs: 32
In verses: 30

So, according to Strongs, in this scripture, this is literally and figuratively “a priest” – a high priest. Its usage occurs 32 times in 30 verses.

I love the parallels to Jesus in this scripture.

Melchizedek, being the king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. Abraham was blessed by him and then he gave the king a 10th of everything he had captured.

Melchizedek’s name means king of righteousness. King of Salem means king of peace. No one knows about Melchizedek’s background. Not even when he died. Like Jesus, Melchizedek continues to be a priest forever. It’s obvious how important he was. Even though Melchizedek wasn’t from the tribe of Levi, he still received a 10th of everything from Abraham. Abraham had God’s promises.

Personally, I’m not certain how this applies to us today. If anything, a history lesson and a correlation between Melchizedek and Jesus as “Hight Priest”.

This may be far-reaching… but, my thoughts are that Melchizedek was a human manifestation of Jesus just for this purpose of scripture and the people to experience a “high priest” who was all godly and righteous. An example of our Savior to come.

I’m in total awe and fear (reverence) to GOD. This is amazing.

Father God, Abba Yah, show us Your purpose in this scripture and how we can apply it to our lives today. Correct me if I’m wrong in my thoughts expressed above. I do not want to be sharing nonsense to anyone. I praise, honor, glorify, and LOVE You, Almighty Yahweh. Thank You, in advance for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus, Our High Priest D4

Hebrews 6_13-20 image

Day 4

God made a promise to Abraham. Since he had no one greater on whom to base his oath, he based it on himself. He said, “I will certainly bless you and give you many descendants.” So Abraham received what God promised because he waited patiently for it. When people take oaths, they base their oaths on someone greater than themselves. Their oaths guarantee what they say and end all arguments. God wouldn’t change his plan. He wanted to make this perfectly clear to those who would receive his promise, so he took an oath. God did this so that we would be encouraged. God cannot lie when he takes an oath or makes a promise. These two things can never be changed. Those of us who have taken refuge in him hold on to the confidence we have been given. We have this confidence as a sure and strong anchor for our lives. This confidence goes into the ⌊holy⌋ place behind the curtain where Jesus went before us on our behalf. He has become the chief priest forever in the way Melchizedek was a priest. Hebrews 6:13‭-‬20

Definition of an oath:
Greek: ὅρκος
Transliteration: horkos
Pronunciation: hor’-kos her’-kos
Definition: From ἕρκος herkos (a fence; perhaps akin to G3725); a limit that is (sacred) restraint (specifically oath): – oath.
KJV Usage: oath (10x).
Occurs: 10
In verses: 10

Apparently, scripture uses a definition of an oath that the dictionary does not. Here is what the dictionary says the definition of an oath is:

a solemn appeal to a deity, or to some revered person or thing, to witness one’s determination to speak the truth, to keep a promise, etc.: to testify upon oath.

Definition of promise:
Greek: ἐπαγγέλλω
Transliteration: epaggellō
Pronunciation: ep-ang-el’-lo
Definition: From G1909 and the base of G32; to announce upon (reflexively) that is (by implication) to engage to do something to assert something respecting oneself: – profess (make) promise.
KJV Usage: promise (11x), profess (2x), make promise (2x).
Occurs: 15
In verses: 15

Dictionary: a declaration that something will or will not be done, given, etc.

Also:
Greek: ἐλπίς
Transliteration: elpis
Pronunciation: el-pece’
Definition: From ἔλπω elpō which is a primary word (to anticipate usually with pleasure);
expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence: – faith hope.
KJV Usage: hope (53x), faith (1x).
Occurs: 54
In verses: 48

It seems strange. Strongs uses a strange interpretation of word meanings. It’s confusing. I’ll address this in prayer.

So, it seems to me, God is giving us a confident hope in faith to be reassured of Jesus’ purpose in being our High Priest.

How does this apply to our current day lives? How should we apply this knowledge to our lives?

First, we need to be in prayer on our knees. Your prayer is between you and God. Only the two of you know what is going on between you both. Whatever it is, it needs to be God-focused and how your life should be ALL God. Be all in for God. He gave us numerous promises in His word. Accept them and apply them daily.

Second, evaluate what your life is like and how it’s honoring God. Scripture is a great place to start. If we’re busy in His word, we don’t have time for negativity and drama. We’re to be about God’s business. It’s all about Him.

Next, be in community with God and like-minded fellow Christians. It helps sharpen each other. It gives us the opportunity to corporately praise and worship Him together. He deserves it! What do you say?

Finally, we need to be sharing the gospel as Christ’s ambassadors and disciples. His word tells us to go out into the highways, byways, and hedges to spread the gospel to all who will hear it. It’s in His word, look it up for yourselves. Don’t take my word for it.

Who’s in? I’m all in!

Dear Father God, thank You. Thank You for who You are and what You’ve done and continue to do for each of us, Your children. Thank You for Jesus, our Savior, and High Priest. Use each of us for Your glory and honor. I pray that this blog blesses people and is an encouragement to them so they fully surrender their all to You. I also would like to seek clarity and understanding with regard to what strong’s greek is really saying in parallel to scripture. It gets so confusing to work out. Please, God, use me. I’m here. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus, Our High Priest – D3

Hebrews 6_9-12 image

Day 3

Dear friends, even though we say these things, we are still convinced that better things are in store for you and that they will save you. God is fair. He won’t forget what you’ve done or the love you’ve shown for him. You helped his holy people, and you continue to help them. We want each of you to prove that you’re working hard so that you will remain confident until the end. Then, instead of being lazy, you will imitate those who are receiving the promises through faith and patience. Hebrews 6:9‭-‬12

Strong’s Number – G4136
Greek: πληροφορία
Transliteration: plērophoria
Pronunciation: play-rof-or-ee’-ah
Definition: From G4135; entire confidence: – (full) assurance.
KJV Usage: full assurance (3x), assurance (1x).
Occurs: 4
In verses: 4

Full assurance – entire confidence (confident underlined above)

The writer of Hebrews is conveying to his listeners/readers of this letter to hold onto the assurance and confidence that God will never forsake them. That God is fair. God will remember their good works to work out their salvation. That they won’t be lazy and that they’re imitators of those receiving promises through faith and patience.

So, how does this apply to us in our lives? How can we live differently in light of this truth?

  • We must trust God and what He tells us in His word.
  • Be confident and assured, fully, in our trust in God.
  • Don’t be lazy with what we know and have learned in His word.
  • As His word says; “He won’t forget what you’ve done or the love you’ve shown for him.”
  • And, the word also states, “We want each of you to prove that you’re working hard so that you will remain confident until the end.”
  • Never give up! Be patient and trust God. His timing is perfect.

Dear Heavenly Father, God [Abba Yah], I lift up each reader to You. I pray that they trust and have confidence in You. I pray that they work hard proving themselves in hard work and know that You will keep your promises and they will receive them in faith and patience. Thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus, Our High Priest – D2

Hebrews 6:4-8 imagDay 2

Hebrews 6:4‭-‬8
Some people once had God’s light. They experienced the heavenly gift and shared in the Holy Spirit. They experienced the {goodness} of God’s word and the powers of the world to come. Yet, they have deserted Christ. They are crucifying the Son of God again and publicly disgracing him. Therefore, they cannot be led a second time to God. God blesses the earth. So rain often falls on it, and it produces useful crops for farmers. However, if the earth produces thorns and thistles, it is worthless and in danger of being cursed. In the end, it will be burned.
Strong’s Number – G2570
Greek: καλός
Transliteration: kalos
Pronunciation: kal-os’
Definition: Of uncertain affinity; properly beautiful but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally) that is valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use and thus distinguished from G18 which is properly intrinsic): – X better fair-good (-ly) honest meet well worthy.
(This is the only translation I can find Strongs used) KJV Usage: good (83x), better (7x), honest (5x), meet (2x), goodly (2x), misc (3x).
Occurs: 102
In verses: 91
Good/Goodness is used 83X, goodly is used 2X.
In this scripture, it’s referring to the valuable or virtuous.
God’s word is most valuable to Christians because it’s our guide and instruction from God.
Basically, read the Bible. Respect God’s word. Live as Jesus lived while living as a human on Earth. I know that’s a tall order. However, His word tells us to be Christ-like. Hence, being a Christian. What else can you add here of how to apply this to your life?
Dear Abba Yah, I lift up myself and the readers of this blog. I pray that we can live up to Your standards and be godly Jesus followers. I pray that we can be the disciples You require of us. I thank You, in advance, for hearing and answering this prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus, Our High Priest – D1

Hebrews 6_1-3 image
Day 1

1st off, the first 14 verses of Hebrews 6 is an ENCOURAGEMENT TO STEADFASTNESS FROM GOD’S FAITHFULNESS TO HIS WORD AND OATH.

We have a warning against falling away from our faith.

Hebrews 6

1 So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.
2 You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
3 And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.
Basically, it’s time to grow up and get on with our maturity in Christ in our faith. It’s time to further our understanding of scripture and learn to grow in our faith. So, here we are.
To focus on a part of this scripture; basic teaching/principles:
Greek: ἀρχή
Transliteration: archē
Pronunciation: ar-khay’
Definition: From Strongs G756; (properly abstract) a commencement or (concrete) chief (in various applications of order time place or rank): – beginning corner (at the) first (estate) magistrate power principality principal rule.
KJV Usage: beginning (40x); [the strongs uses the KJV bible. I do not. I am unable to find it any other way.
The word principles is used 58 times in 56 verses.
Like a chief cornerstone… (Jesus is our chief cornerstone.)
Here are a few tips to get started:
  • 1st, open-up, and read God’s word. Spend time there. See what He has to say. For me, each time I read scripture, God shows me something I didn’t see or know before. Listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to your spirit. The scripture is never changing. However, there is always something to learn from it and to apply to our lives.
  • Next, spend quiet time praying and meditating over the Word and thanking God for your season of life. We’re all experiencing different seasons and stages of life.
  • Then, make sure to spend quality time in a Christian community with fellow brothers and sisters. Scripture tells us it’s beneficial for us and our growth. Without it, we become stagnant or stuck if you will.
  • Finally, make sure you attend a Christ-centered and Bible-believing, teaching church. That’s where you’ll find a community and your tribe. We all need a tribe. It helps us to be grounded in our faith. Without it, we rely too much on ourselves. We’re not capable of doing for ourselves what God does for us.
I postulate we’re to move forward and grow in maturity in our faith in Jesus Christ. The book of Hebrews in about Jesus being our High Priest. If we’re to be His disciples, we need to pull ourselves together and be about God’s business. When I say business, I am not speaking of making money and growing a business to sell stuff… I am referring to being in God’s will and helping people and sharing the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s not about us. Everything in life should point to God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, [Our Triune God]. We need to have our vertical alignment aligned with God as the Lead. Everything else falls in line vertically. Like this:
  1. God
  2. Spouse
  3. Children
  4. Job/Career/Passion
  5. Everything else
Dear Father God, I lift up the readers and myself to You. I pray that each one of us will re-evaluate our walk with You. I pray that we pay attention to our maturity in Christ and our growth. Help us to see and live the way you need us to. Show us the Jesus is our High Priest and not man. You are awesome. I personally adore, honor, and glorify You. I thank You in advance for the honor of Your attention to our needs and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.