From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Fri, May 12, 2023 at 5:55 AM

Subject: 5-12-23 THOUGHTS

5-12-23   THOUGHTS

The Mosaic accomplished its purpose.  Rom 3:20 tells us  “because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law [comes] the knowledge of sin.”  That we are no longer under the Law,  is proved by referral to Christ’s eternal priesthood in the discussion below.  Jesus is said to be “the  guarantee of a better covenant.”  Verse 25 resounds “ He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”     The remainder of the reading is powerfully assuring.  Jesus offered himself up (on the cross) “once for all”, (for all time).  Matt 26:28 “for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.”  

Heb 7:17-28    For it is attested of Him, "YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK."  18  For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness 19  (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. 20  And inasmuch as it was not without an oath 21  (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, "THE LORD HAS SWORN AND WILL NOT CHANGE HIS MIND, ‘YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER’");  22  so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. 23  The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24  but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25  Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. 26  For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens;  27  who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.  28  For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever.

My Prayer:
O Lord, we thank you for the way You designed and delivered the good news of our salvation.  You gave us Jesus your son, the Word, who became flesh and dwelled among us.  His living and dying, as grace and mercy and love,  was extended by You. It is the most awesome picture.  We are thankful that He always lives to make intercession for us.  Help us to powerfully draw near to You through Him.  Enliven us, O God of our eternity.  We want to be good sheep.  
In the name of our Savior,      Amen.