Living in the Spirit
October 26, 2018
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28
So now we have a high priest who perfectly fits our needs: completely holy, uncompromised by sin, with authority extending as high as God’s presence in heaven itself. Unlike the other high priests, he doesn’t have to offer sacrifices for his own sins every day before he can get around to us and our sins. He’s done it, once and for all: offered up himself as the sacrifice. The law appoints as high priests men who are never able to get the job done right. But this intervening command of God, which came later, appoints the Son, who is absolutely, eternally perfect*. –Hebrews 7:26-28
I use the lectionary to write these devotions because it forces me to deal with scriptures that span the breadth of the Bible including some that I find uncomfortable and some that may not be inspiring when I read them when I must search for meaning. The above scripture met the latter criteria earlier this week resulting in me writing two devotions on the Psalm for the week and now returning to Hebrews to visit this one again.
Inspiration comes from unlikely places at times. This morning I read in the paper that Eugene Peterson the theologian most known by his translation of the Bible called The Message quoted here today died 10-22-2018. I appreciated the works of Eugene Peterson and was sorry to read of his passing. Seeing his name, however, sent me to read how he translated this scripture from Hebrews. His more casual, common sense wording is exactly what I need at times. While his translation: The law appoints as high priests men who are never able to get the job done right applies to all who attempt theology, Eugene Peterson provided a wealth of understanding that has stood the test of time and for that, I am most thankful.
So, I dedicate this devotion to Eugene Peterson who clearly accepted Christ as the high priest who perfectly fits our needs. Peterson dedicated his life to spreading that message in The Message.
Prayer: We thank you, Lord, for all those who open understanding of your ways to us. Amen.
*The Message Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson