DAY #321: Hebrews 5:1-6:20

The idea of mediator is central to the Bible. Humans subject to sin and by nature inclined to sin need mediation in order for them to establish any relationship with a holy God. The Jewish high priest was only a human, subject to the same weaknesses as other people. This verse pictures a high priest who, fully alert to his own sinfulness and mortality, empathizes and deals gently with the people he represents, even though they are ignorant and wayward. The priest’s knowledge of the people is intense, personal, and empathetic.

Of all people, the high priest should understand how humbling a job he had—and how vital a role he played. Without his mediation, the people would perish. He had to offer sacrifices, both for their sins and for his own sins. The high priest, while holding an honorable and prestigious position as mediator between God and the people, was not absolved from penalty for his own sin. Neither was he in a special category of human beings or exempt from the law himself.

The author of our salvation, Jesus, was qualified as a perfect High Priest through suffering. Because Christ lived, died, and rose again, he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. These last words warned those who would turn away from Christ and turn back to an inferior system. Salvation comes only to those who obey as Christ obeyed—with complete submission to God and his will, even in the face of suffering.

Apparently, the readers of this letter had been Christians for a long time; so long, that they ought to have been teaching others. However, they had been lazy in their faith and needed someone to teach them again the basic things in the Scriptures. No wonder they were in danger of drifting! Rather than explore and deepen their knowledge of Christ, rather than trying to please God with their actions, they considered abandoning Christ when they faced opposition. They were like babies, still drinking milk instead of growing up into eating solid food—the more difficult teachings of God’s word, such as the significance of Christ’s position as High Priest were to deep for them to digest.

These immature Christians were living on milk, that is, they had not grown in their faith. They remained inexperienced and unskilled in applying their knowledge to their lives and doing what is right. They had received enough instruction, but they were still acting like infants.

Spiritually mature Christians constantly examine themselves, turn away from sin, and learn what actions, thoughts, and attitudes will please God.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

This passage fits right into what Pastor Matt preached about on Sunday. It's time to grow up. It's time to start maturing. It's time to put into practice the things that God is teaching you.

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power." 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV)

Lord, you know my heart is heavy this morning. You know the needs of the church and how I 100% absolutely believe that where you guide, you provide, but Lord I need you to work in the hearts of your people - the people of COV need to step up to the plate and start giving/tithing and serving and ministering. Lord, there are some who have been so faithful. They are invested in a mighty way here at COV, but there are so many others that need to step out and step up. Lord, speak to their hearts. Work in their hearts. Lay it on folks to be obedient in their giving Lord and I ask you to lay it on their hearts this week.