Hebrews 5 - Infant Christians

Hebrews 5 NIV
Years ago, there was a young man whom I had been teaching about Christ. We had seen each other almost every day for close to a year. I was going to be leaving and would probably never see him again so I attempted to explain to him about the peace and joy that comes with the indwelling Spirit of Christ. I could see a dazed look in his eyes. He finally said, "I just don't understand." I realized that he was still too new to Christianity to get it, yet. He was still an infant. He had much to learn. I smiled and told him that I understood that it was hard to grasp; but, that I was teaching him all this so that in years to come, when I wouldn't be around, he might remember my words and understand.

The author of Hebrews begins to explain the significance of Jesus being called as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek, offering up prayers and a sacrifice for the people. The author understands that readers will not understand. They are still infants to Christianity. While, by this time they should be teaching, they still have much to learn. The problem the author sees is that they do not really want to learn. They no longer try to understand.

There are things that are beyond our comprehension. But, that should not stop us from trying to understand. It should not stop us from listening. It should not stop us from studying God's Word. I sometimes hear the excuse that someone does not attend community worship because they just don't understand scripture. They don't understand the lessons read or what the pastor's sermon is about. That is not a reason to stay away. If you don't understand, that is all the more reason to hear it. To know Christ and him crucified; to grow in Christ one must be fed with the Word.

See you at Worship where you can hear the word and grow in Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Matthew 22:41-46 - Figure It Out!

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”
“The son of David,” they replied.
He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
    under your feet.”’

If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.  (Matt 22:41-46 NIV)

They had tried, on more than one occasion, to trip up Jesus. They had tried to catch him blaspheming. But, with no success. Now, it Jesus' turn. "Figure it out, guys! If the Messiah is the son of David, why does David call him Lord?" Why did the Lord say of this descendant of David that all his enemies will be put under his feet? (Psalm 110:1) Why did the Lord promise to make this son of David a priest in the order of Melchizedek? (Psalm 110:4) There was no response from the  Pharisees. Jesus is the Lord!

One thing I can say for the Pharisees: they knew the scriptures and they knew that there was no further place to go in this debate. Reading and knowing the Holy Scriptures is definitely a worthwhile project if we are going to be discussing and debating who or what the LORD is or does or has done.
Happy reading....!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Psalm 110 - King and Priest Forever

Psalm 110 is most often interpreted as prophecy fulfilled in Jesus. We read it through the lens of the New Testament as it is quoted there numerous times.

In Mark (12:35-37a NRSV)
     "While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, “Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared:

     “‘The Lord said to my Lord:
      “Sit at my right hand
      until I put your enemies
      under your feet.”’

   

     David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”"

The LORD will send out a ruler from Zion.  He will rule in the midst, and in spite, of God's enemies. He will be a priest forever according to the order of Mechizedek. (v.4) In Hebrews, chapters 5, 6, and 7, the writer more clearly links Jesus to this prophetic passage from the Psalms.  

     "We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain,  where Jesus, a forerunner on our behalf, has entered, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." (Heb 6:19-20)

David's hope was in the One who was to come.  Our hope lies in the One who has come, is now, and will reign as King, and as High Priest, forever, Jesus Christ, our LORD.

May your hope be renewed and your joy complete.

God's Peace - Pr. J