NT Fire Starters – Day 309: Hebrews 7:1-28
READ: Hebrews 7:1-28
THINK: Most religions represent human ideas and efforts aimed at understanding and connecting with “god” or some higher good, purpose or enlightenment. But if there is a true God–one that can be known, is worth knowing and wants to know us–wouldn’t He know how to connect with us? Wouldn’t He be capable of showing us that way? And wouldn’t we be better off following His way? In reality, the One true God has made His way to us–not based on our imperfect efforts, but on His perfect plan–not requiring religious rituals and routines, but a personal relationship with our Creator. God gave a glimpse of His plan throughout history, but He actually made the way through His Son, Jesus.
RESPOND: Who was Melchizedek and what was his relation to Abraham (forefather of the Israelites)? In what ways is Melchizedek symbolic of Christ? (See 7:1 note.) What does it mean that Melchizedek was “without father or mother…without beginning of days or end of life”? (See 7:3 note.) How did the Old Testament priesthood and God’s law go together? (See 7:11 note.) Why was that system unable to inspire people to maintain God’s standard? Why did this require a different kind of priest and a different approach to God (vv. 11-13)? In what ways was Jesus different (vv. 14-17)? (See 7:13 note.) In what way were the regulations of the law “weak and useless” (v. 18)? (See 7:19 note.) In what way did the law prepare us for “a better hope…by which we draw near to God”? (See Galatians 3:19 note and article on The Old Testament Law, p. 128.) In what way did Jesus “become the guarantee of a better covenant” (v. 22)? (See article on The Old Covenant and The New Covenant, p. 1820.) Why and how is Jesus “able to save completely those who come to God through him” (v. 25)? What does it mean that Jesus “always lives to intercede,” and how does this benefit us? (See 7:25 note.) Why is Jesus’ role crucial to a relationship with God? (See 7:25 note, sub points 3 & 5.)
PRAY: Thank Jesus for providing the ultimate means for you to relate to God. Thank Him for being both your Priest and King. Thank Him for constantly interceding with His Father on your behalf.
ACT: Sometime today, read the article on The Old Covenant and The New Covenant, p. 1820. This article will help you gain a foundational understanding of issues highlighted in the readings over the next several days.