Readings for today: Hebrews 5-8
The only thing consistent about humanity is her inconsistency. We are physically inconsistent. Meaning our bodies are in a constant state of change. Our cells are constantly dying and new cells being born. In fact, the common myth out there is that our cells turnover every seven years. While not entirely true, there’s enough to it to make it stick. We are intellectually inconsistent. None of us is truly logical or rational. In fact, psychologists like Jonathan Haidt argue that we are more “rationalizing” than “rational” creatures. We are emotionally inconsistent. We all know the rollercoaster. We’ve been there and done that. Puberty. Maturity. Success. Failure. Grief. Loss. Menopause. Hormonal changes over time. Life experiences. All of these have an impact on our emotional state and well-being. We are morally inconsistent. How often do justify bad behavior because it’s someone we know or love or happen to agree with or support politically while at the same time being highly critical of the same bad behavior in others? We are spiritually inconsistent. Those who follow Christ know there are incredibly rich times where we feel especially close with God and spiritually dry times when we feel God is distant. Again, the only thing seemingly consistent about humanity is her inconsistency.
This is why we need Jesus. A faithful high priest. After the order of Melchizedek. A permanent priest. One in whom there is no shadow or turning or change. Human high priests come and go. They are just as inconsistent as we are which is why they have to make offerings for their own sin. They cannot save themselves much less anyone else. But Jesus is a different kind of high priest. He is sinless. He is eternally consistent. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. And He lives to intercede for us for all eternity. Listen to how the author of Hebrews puts it, “But because he remains forever, he holds his priesthood permanently. Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:24-25 CSB)
The permanence of Christ is critical for our salvation. Because He is forever. Because He holds a permanent priesthood. Because He lives eternally to make intercession for us. We are saved. Not just in part but in whole. I love the line He is able to save to the uttermost. There is such promise in those words! Such hope! Every part of me. Every part of my life. Every word I say. Every thought I have. Every emotion I experience. Every moment of every minute of every day of my life is redeemed by my faithful high priest, Jesus Christ. Nothing is left out. Nothing put on hold. Nothing in question. All because of Christ’s indestructible and imperishable life. Thanks be to God for His permanence!
Readings for tomorrow: Hebrews 9-12