Living in the Spirit
October 22, 2015

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28

For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests those who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever. –Hebrews 7:26-28

The author of the book of Hebrews is referring back to Psalm 110:4 when he talks about the difference between the Levitical priesthood of the law and the priesthood of Christ: The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.’ The priest appointed per the law is at the least subject to death. Christ’s appointment by God’s own oath is an eternal assignment.

There is something very comforting about knowing who our leader is and always will be and something very challenging. The Oklahoma City Thunder changed coaches this year. I would say they had a pretty good coach and as far as I can tell, this early in the season, they gained a pretty good coach. These coaches have slightly different styles of coaching, run different plays, and have different areas of concern. Some players probably excelled better under the first, some will under the second, and most will take advantage of the change to their benefit by quickly adapting to the new system. We all learned different things from different teachers and if we were wise we adapted to the changes. With Christ we are challenged to adapt our lives to his way of being and loving forever. We do not have to worry about our leader changing unless we wander off and try to find another leader for whom we do not have to make as many adaptations or we at least think we won’t. This is the challenge. The comfort comes in knowing that we are loved forever by Christ and he will always want the very best for us for eternity.

Prayer: God of Eternity, protect me from the temptations to follow the lesser path that looks easier. Make me moldable to your way of being and reshape me to be more and more like you. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.