For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Heb. 7
What is the author’s point in this extended comparison between Jesus and Melchizedek? How is Jesus “a better hope”? And the gospel “a better covenant?” We don’t really know who Melchizedek was or where he came from. That is clearly by design. What we do know about Melchizedek is that his priesthood was both separate from and higher than the priesthood later established by the law. Also, because he has no recorded beginning or end, “he remains a priest forever.” (Heb. 7:3b).
As far as I know, Melchizedek only entered the Biblical story the one time in Genesis 14. This was long before the system of priesthood through the covenant of the law was established. From what I read in Hebrews, this encounter was recorded in order to establish a basis for Jesus’ priesthood. Jesus became a priest, “not on the basis of a regulation as to His ancestry, but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.” (Heb. 7:16). Furthermore, “because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood.” (Heb. 7:24). And, unlike the priests of the law, Jesus’ priesthood is backed by an oath from God who cannot, by His very nature, go against His own word. It is a sure and everlasting priesthood.
The author of Hebrews states the point in all of this in verse 26. “Such a high priest truly meets our need – one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.” Jesus completely, permanently, perfectly, and unfailingly intercedes with God for us, atoning for our sins and reconciling us with our holy Creator for all eternity. It is a covenant that cannot fail.
SoS. 1-2
The early church fathers loved to read these poems of married love as a metaphor of Christ and the church. What do you see that reflects Jesus’ love for you? Solomon may think this is the greatest of all songs, but I’m not sure I’m fully on board with that assessment! It is strange on so many levels! Even so, it has its moments. One such moment is near the beginning of chapter 2, where I find an expression of the kind of desire I would like to develop for Christ.
Here, the woman compares her lover to an apple tree in the forest. He is one who not only stands out from the others, but provides for her in ways the other forest trees cannot. “I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.” (SoS 2:3b). She goes on to say, “Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love.” (SoS 2:4). I take that to mean that she belongs to him, not because she has been conquered, but because she has been purchased with love. Thus, she is willingly and wholly devoted to him and will follow him to become fully his. May Jesus be such a love to me! May I delight in Him and devote myself to seeking and following where He leads.