“For here is the testimony about him (Jesus): “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” On the one hand a former command is set aside because it is weak and useless, for the law made nothing perfect. On the other hand a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. And since this was not done without a sworn affirmation—for the others have become priests without a sworn affirmation, but Jesus did so with a sworn affirmation by the one who said to him, “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever’”—accordingly Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. And the others who became priests were numerous, because death prevented them from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently since he lives forever. So he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:17-25 NET
The priesthood was established with a vital purpose: to
serve as a bridge between God and the people. Its essential role was to carry
out sacred rituals that deepened the connection between individuals and their
Creator. Yet, the demands of the priesthood were often overwhelming, requiring
immense sacrifices of time and energy from the priests to fulfill their
responsibilities. This system, however, was merely a precursor to what was
ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Unlike the priests of old, who struggled
under the weight of their duties, Jesus performed His role flawlessly. He was
resurrected and reigns eternally as our High Priest. In His divine nature,
having conquered death, He holds the ultimate authority over the grave,
offering us hope and assurance like nothing that came before.
The former priesthood was a divinely ordained preparation
established by God, serving as a 'schoolmaster' that ignited a deep yearning in
the people for something far greater. This institution endured through many
generations, yet it was ultimately set aside, symbolizing the transformative
journey of the people toward their promised Messiah. Visionaries like Abraham and
Moses glimpsed this profound hope, teaching the people to fervently seek a
Messiah who would deliver them from their oppressors—be they the Philistines, Romans, or any
other tyrannical rulers. Tragically, they failed to grasp their most essential
need: a Savior who would free them from the oppressive chains of the law and
its burdensome demands, which could never offer a lasting solution to their sin
problem.
The prophets powerfully illustrated the character of God,
showcasing the profound love and value He holds for His people, even amid their
rebellion. They urgently called the people to return to a genuine relationship
with Yahweh, stressing that this bond is founded on His unwavering love. The
harsh truth of Israel’s captivity and plunder at the hands of other nations was
not an indication of God’s weakness; rather, it was a direct consequence of the
people’s decision to turn away from Him and worship false gods, forsaking the
true God of Israel. God deeply longed to be their defender, yet He could not
intervene while they chose rebellion. He refused to let His name be dishonored
among the nations, standing resolutely in His commitment to uphold His holiness
and integrity. Although it pained Him to do so, God’s tough love allowed Israel
to continue in their rebellion, demonstrating the profound depths of His
heartache over their poor choices.
The Melchizedek priesthood introduces a transformative way—a
superior hope for approaching God. Unlike the previous system, which relied on
priests making continual ritual sacrifices until their service ended or they died, this
new priesthood unfolds a divine plan where God Himself becomes the ultimate
sacrifice. Jesus, the perfect lamb, endured suffering on our behalf and bore
the penalty for sin once and for all. He transformed into the new temple, where
everyone can enter and attain forgiveness and cleansing from sin. This
profound shift moves us beyond mere performance or duty; it invites us to
receive the righteousness of God through Jesus and rest from our labors, a
gift that changes everything.
The Levitical priesthood was established through lineage and
genealogy, with individuals chosen by lot from those who selected their priest
for a designated term of service. Importantly, God never asserted that one man
would be superior to another within this priesthood. In a remarkable contrast,
Jesus became a priest with a divinely sworn affirmation from God, marking a
unique distinction among all who came before Him: "The Lord has sworn and
will not change His mind, 'You are a priest forever.'"
This change in the priesthood heralds a profound shift in
the law itself, which is set aside in favor of a new and transformative
principle: the law of love. As taught by Jesus, this law of love fully
emphasizes the values of compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness, inviting us
to embrace a deeper, more meaningful approach to our faith and relationships
with others.
There were many priests of Levitical origin, there were many because death prevented them from continuing in
office. But because Jesus holds His priesthood permanently since He lives
forever, He is able to save us completely. I love how the King James bible
interprets this verse “He is able to save to the uttermost” those who come to
God through Him. His temple (which is His body) is made available for us to
enter and become a part of the greater priesthood and inherit what Jesus has procured
for us, the promise that we will live forever with Him in His kingdom, a
kingdom of love and mercy that to all people.
This kingdom of love embodies the restoration of Eden and
serves as the sacred dwelling place of God. While we may not fully experience
the complete manifestation of Eden in our lives yet, it undeniably exists as a
powerful reality. This is the essence of the ‘now but not yet’ principle.
Today, we can live in Christ Jesus, seeing Him and engaging with and knowing
Him intimately, yet the full realization of His kingdom awaits us. This hope
ignites our passion for Jesus’s return, as He promises to return for His
own—those for whom He fervently intercedes before the Father.
Stephen Barnett
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