By becomming human, the Lord Jesus Christ took upon Himself the nature of man. He was tested, tempted and tried. He suffered and died. He lived a life similar to ours, yet elevated. It wasn't easy and comfortable as one might expect the life of the Son of God to be, but it was real. It was necessary to prove that Satan does not possess power over death. People don't need to be in bondage to the fear of death because Christ overcame it. And because He suffered in our world, He knows our pain and is able to immediately assist us in all the ways that really matter.
Jesus was faithful to God just as Moses had been, yet Jesus was considered worthy of much greater honor than Moses. Moses was a solid follower of God, and tried to do what God told him to do. The Israelites were another story, over and over they refused to do what God asked of them. They died in the desert and their children inherited the promised land. We are all a big family because of Christ. We all have a share in what He promises as long as we believe.
Don't make the mistake of the Israelites of old and mistrust the message. Believe it and you will find rest. God rested on the seventh day after He finished His work. We know the promise of rest is still good because God told the disobedient Israelites that they would not enter His place of rest. We need to do our best to enter the place of rest. God knows us completely; nothing is hidden from Him.
High priests are appointed by God to help people by offering sacrifices for their sins. These high priests are not sinless, which is why they can sympaathize with the people they serve. Just as God chose Aaron, He also chose Christ to become a High Priest. God could have saved Jesus from death. On earth, Jesus begged God loudly and tearfully to save Him. He worshiped God and God heard Him. Even though Jesus is God's own Son, He had to suffer before He could learn what it really means to obey God. Jesus was perfected by His suffering. Now he can save all who obey Him, because God chose him to be a High Priest just like He chose Melchizedek.
We must move beyond the basics and get into the more advanced teachings. We have learned the truth about turning away from sin, baptism, laying on of hands, life after death, and future judgment. God willing, let's grow up. People who have believed and turned away might as well be nailing Jesus to the cross and insulting God. If God is able to work with you, He will bless you. God rewards patience in Him. He promised Abraham he would be father of many nations. Abraham patiently waited decades and God blessed Abraham with Isaac. God keeps His promises. We run to God for safety and we have hope through Him. This hope is an anchor for our souls. Hope reaches into the most Holy place. Jesus is our High Priest forever.
Tomorrow read Hebrews 7-10
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