Priests Throughout All Time?

And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you.”  Hebrews 5:4-5

Self-imposed honors are out of bounds for the child of God.  Seeking to self-advance goes against every intention of a holy God for children.  He owns His creation.  He knows what’s best.  He makes poor and makes rich.  He promotes and He also humbles.

He is the One who must initiate a holy call.  Every other calling to a holy office is a counterfeit.  Not only is the counterfeit not appointed, he will not be anointed.  In Old Testament times ~

• A high priest had to be called by God.
• Jesus also waited to be appointed by God.
• He could not assume this position because He believed himself to be qualified.
• Jesus, who was qualified in every way, did not usurp His position either.
• A high priest offered gifts and sacrifices to atone for the people’s sin.
• Jesus offered the gift, and the sacrifice, of Himself to atone for people’s sin.

He humbled Himself to walk as the God-Man, but He was the Perfect Man, leaving for us an example to follow in His steps.  If He chose obedience, even in His perfection, how can I think of deviating one iota from every Word of God!

Finally, in every society since the beginning of time, there has been the presence of a priesthood system.  Ancient Assyria had priests.  So did Babylon.  Even Egypt had priests and Joseph married the daughter of one.  Mankind has always been conscious of his own sin; aware that he was morally corrupted.  There is a Chinese proverb that says: “There are two good men ~ one is dead, the other is not yet born.”  The fact that priests have existed in every culture and in every religion seems to point to the fact that mankind knows he cannot take care of his own sin-sickness.  Even pagans long for a pardon.

In every culture, sacrifices to please the gods involve the shedding of blood.  “The life of the creature is in the blood.”  Leviticus 17:11  Gruesome deaths occurred, and still occur in a perverse attempt to receive atonement.  The good news of the Gospel is that Jesus satisfied all requirements of the Law by offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice.

You are my perfect High Priest, appointed by Your Father.  You assumed Your position through much suffering.  Thank you for pardoning me.  Amen