November 6

Ezekiel 14:12-16:41; Hebrews 7:18-28; Psalm 106:1-12; Proverbs 27:4-6

"He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them" (Heb. 7:25).

What beautiful words. 

"Because Jesus lives forever" (Heb. 7:24), we are saved, fully and deeply.  We can now access God through him.  He constantly presents our case before the Father.  Not only the Spirit (who "intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express" [Rom. 8:26]), but Jesus himself pleads for us, prays for us.  We are not alone!  We are not abandoned!  We have incredible allies who unceasingly forward our cause.  I hope this encourages you.  It does me, but then again I need all the allies I can rustle up!

"Such a high priest [Jesus] meets our need -- one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens" (Heb. 7:26).

What a description of our Jesus.  Only this man, with these qualities, could save us.  He is so completely other, so perfect and righteous.  And, yet, he "has been tempted in every way, just as we are" (Heb. 4:15).  He is also completely human, so real and understanding.  "He knows how we are formed; he remembers we are dust" (Ps. 103:14, see Mary's beautiful examination on 10/31) - we have no unrealistic standards to meet for Jesus knows us, was us as a human, but remained God to heal and to save us fully and eternally (see Heb. 7:27-28).

After reading these verses, I can only say, with the psalmist: "Praise the Lord.  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.  His love endures forever (Ps. 106:1).

Amen.

- Sarah Marsh

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