Living in the Spirit
October 18, 2018
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 5:1-10
Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,
‘You are my Son,
today I have begotten you’;
as he says also in another place,
‘You are a priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek.’ –Hebrews 5:1-6
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.“*
Referring to the scripture above we might ask what is in a title? Christ as High Priest is an example to emulate as is Melchizedek. Other High Priests are not considered good role models**. The same could be said for the title “politician” in our times. Politician is not a derisive title. Having served many years as a politician does not mean one is corrupt. Listening to the adds on TV during this campaign season we are fed a negative opinion of politicians. Abraham Lincoln was a stealthy politician holding the USA together when it was nearly severed. Franklin Roosevelt too was a seasoned politician guiding our country out of the depression and World War II. They neither were perfect but they both dedicated their lives to the Common Good and moved our country forward despite its dire situations. Both men in very real ways gave their lives for our country. Lincoln was assassinated, and Roosevelt finally wore himself out.
Titles do not define people; people give credence to titles. Christ set a high standard for all who serve in the ministry he began with his life, death, and resurrection. Just as we desire that all who follow Christ add value to the coming of God’s Kingdom, we want all our political leaders to add value to the governance of our cities, counties, states, and nation. Christ is a reflection of God who sent him unto us to be our High Priest. Are our political leaders a reflection of us, since we are the ones who select them?
Prayers: Lord, guide our discernment as we select leaders for our country in our upcoming election?
*From Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2) by William Shakespeare
**See Jeremiah 5:31 or Hosea 5:1