A Superior High Priest

“For it is indeed fitting for us to have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separate from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need to do every day what those priests do, to offer sacrifices first for their own sins and then for the sins of the people, since he did this in offering himself once

for all. For the law appoints as high priests men subject to weakness, but the word of solemn affirmation that came after the law appoints a son made perfect forever.” Hebrews 7:26-28 NET

What I am about to say may sound unconventional, but the scriptures make it clear that it is "fitting" to have a high priest who rises above the inherent tendency to sin that all humans possess. We require a high priest who embodies the divine rather than one limited to human frailty. This extraordinary role of a divine high priest is essential, as no human alone could adequately atone for the sins of all humanity, much less for their own.

The question we must confront is, "What is God?" The scriptures make a profound declaration: God is love. But what does this truly signify? We catch glimpses of love through our relationships—like the deep bond between a husband and wife or the unconditional affection a parent has for a child. While these human expressions of love are genuine and significant, they pale in comparison to the boundless love of God.

God embodies love in its purest form, and this divine love radiates as light. The ancient Middle Eastern Jews held a powerful belief that no one could behold God and live, for the intensity of His love and presence would be overwhelming—so profound that it could lead to death. This staggering reality about the nature of God's love should inspire us to feel a deep sense of humility and respect, recognizing the vastness and depth of love that we can only begin to fathom. In acknowledging this, we open ourselves to a greater understanding of His divine essence.

In Exodus 33:19-23, God granted Moses a unique glimpse of His divine presence. He proclaimed, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and declare my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will be gracious to whom I choose and show mercy to whom I will.” Yet, He cautioned, “You cannot see my face, for no one can stand in My presence and live.” The Lord instructed, “Stand here near me on a rock. When my glory passes, I will place you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with my hand. When I have passed by, I will remove my hand, and you will see my back, but my face must not be seen.”

This powerful account not only highlights God's holiness but also unveils a profound truth about love: it possesses a transformative power that transcends even life itself.

Song of Solomon 8:6-7 powerfully conveys the indomitable nature of love: “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death, and jealousy is as fierce as the grave. Its flashes are like the flames of fire, the very flame of the Lord. No amount of water can quench love, nor can floods drown it. If a man were to offer all the wealth of his house for love, he would be utterly despised.”

Human beings, in their frailty, cannot approach God through their own strength, as He dwells in inapproachable light, making it impossible for us to stand before Him. Yet, the most striking truth is the overwhelming power of His love.

Nothing compares to the profound love of God. It is a love that is fierce and passionate yet also deeply caring and protective. Astonishingly, some view God as stoic and detached from human experience; however, the scriptures present an entirely different reality. Our God embodies emotions that resonate with our own, and His love is not some distant or abstract concept—it is intensely personal, directed toward us as His beloved creation and cherished family.

It powerfully illustrates God's immense love that Jesus, our high priest, was chosen to connect with us personally without the need to shield us from His divine glory. This is the profound reason God chose to take on human form, becoming our perfect high priest. As we see in Hebrews 4:15, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” This intimate way in which God interacts with us through Jesus not only demonstrates His unwavering love but also instills in us a deep sense of our value and significance in His eyes.

In the celestial realm, there exists two profound powers: one that dwells in heaven and another that manifests as a Son here on earth. These powers are not only co-equal but also co-existent, both embodying the same boundless essence of love.

“In these last days, God has chosen to communicate with us through His Son, the appointed heir of all things and the very agent through whom the universe was created. The Son radiates the glory of God and is the exact imprint of His being, upholding all creation by His powerful word. After providing a purification for our sins, He ascended to His rightful place at the right hand of the Majesty on high, a throne of ultimate honor and authority.” (Hebrews 1:2-3)

Jesus is fully God, and we can approach His presence without fear of death. Through His sacrifice, we are granted the gift of life if we have our believing loyalty in Him. His perfect love eliminates all fear, empowering us to come to Him boldly and confidently.

Stephen Barnett