01/03/2021
Before the Temple veil, which hung between man and God, was torn in two. Before Jesus died on the cross. Before the victory was won over sin and death; people had to go to priests as their mediators between themselves and God, but with these occurrences that was changed forever. A new priesthood was established.
“The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.”
Hebrews 7:23-24 ESV
Now we have one High Priest which is Jesus, and a set number of priests which consists of all those who are believers... no longer out of necessity due to death, but by glorious design, and the will of God. Our bodies have become our temple, and we as priests can now intercede for others directly with God.
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV
Whereas it was once necessary to make pilgrimage to the temple in Jerusalem three times each year, we are now able to cleanse ourselves, seek forgiveness, and worship God continuously. We can offer ourselves to Him daily, pray without ceasing, and make intercession from wherever we happen to find ourselves. Where once only the High Priest was able to approach God by going behind the veil, we can each stand before Him, and where this was only allowed once each year, we can do so with each breath we take. How wonderful, and what a privilege it is to be the children of God.
“But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.”
Galatians 3:25-26 ESV
Jesus is our High Priest, and Eldest Brother. He holds a special place of honor before the Father for He offered himself for our sins, and conquered death, so that we could be redeemed. He intercedes for us now, and has done so from before the foundation of creation.
“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”
Hebrews 7:25 ESV
We were chosen as Christ was, and made God’s children as we each came to believe our Father to be God, and Jesus His Son to be our savior, and redeemer. In this way we are called out of the world of darkness into the eternal light, and made to be priests, and God’s children.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
1 Peter 2:9 ESV
Do you treat your body as the temple of God; keeping it pure and unblemished? Do you feel loved like an eternal child of God? Are you honoring your role as a priest by performing intercessions, and the other holy rites of priesthood? Can you accept the fact that you are able to stand without fear before the Father, and wherever you happen to be you are in His presence? Adam walked with God, and now through our redemption in Christ Jesus, we walk worthy once more with Him.
“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?””
Genesis 3:8-9 ESV
Adam answered God in fear and shame...
“And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.””
Genesis 3:10 ESV
However, we have now been restored by Jesus to righteousness, and can once more answer God without sin and shame... are you prepared for that? Isn’t the mere thought of walking unabashedly with Him thrilling to you... down to your very soul?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for sending your Son Jesus to redeem us from our inherit sin, by His dying to free us from both worldly sin, and death. Thank you Lord for removing the darkness from our lives by shining your glorious light upon us, and lighting our way home. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you who calls out to us in our sin, and makes it possible by the blood of your Son to be pure once more. Merciful are you who desires to walk with us in the cool of the evening, as a Father walks with His children. Amazing is your grace that leads us to forgiveness despite our unworthiness. We praise your name Holy Father, for every good thing you bestow on us, and for all the blessings that a child could expect to receive from his Heavenly Father. Hear our prayers, answer our intercessions with kindness, and let nothing ever separate us again. We long to be with you forevermore, and please you in all that we do. Hold us close Father, and feel the eternal love, and embrace, of your children.
Rich Forbes