May 29, 2025 | Be God's Family
A Better Hope
Scripture: Hebrews 7:11-19(NIV)
11 If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. 13 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is declared:
“You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek.”
18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless 19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
Devotional
Most people do not like change. They like to keep the status quo probably because it is known to them, and they are comfortable with it. Several years ago when our little doggie Sophie was alive, we would take multiple walks around the neighborhood, but we would always go the same way. One time I remember wanting to go another way, but Sophie decided she did not want to go that way. She stopped and wouldn’t budge. After a little “coaching” from me, she changed her mind and walked beside me on our new route. Eventually, she grew accustomed to the new walk, and she learned it was really a better way after all with new territory to explore and sniff.
In chapter seven we learn that the Hebrew Christians needed to change their old way of thinking about the Levitical Priesthood. Tasked with trying to convince the Christian Jews that the Levitical order was now obsolete, the writer teaches them of the better “New Covenant and priesthood of Jesus” (Bible.org). He reminds them that the Law was weak and made nothing perfect (18, 19). The writer doesn’t want the Christians to return to their former way because Jesus has provided “a better hope” (19).
Since Jesus was “made a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek” (6:20, 7:11), this new Priesthood of Jesus would not only provide a better hope, but a way in which we could draw nearer to God (19). In this new Priesthood, the Temple curtain was ripped in two, and Jesus opened the new and living way for us to enter boldly into the Holiest of Holies by His blood (Hebrews 10:19-20).
Jesus was chosen, ordained, and glorified as our great High Priest; He is one with the Father; and all things are done by Him (Charles H. Spurgeon). Scripture teaches us that Jesus continues forever and has an unchangeable priesthood. Praise the Lord that we now have a better hope and an eternal High Priest Who intercedes for us!
What areas of your life need changing so that you can draw nearer to God?
Prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23-24).
Poem
All The Things You Are...
Psalm 71
In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame!
Psalm 71:1
My shelter
My cover
My deliverer
My rescuer
My listener
My savior
My rock
My advocate
My fortress
My strong arm
My trust
My brace
My birth
My constant
My faithful
My closest
My righteousness
My might
My increaser
My comforter
My redeemer
My best hope
