[See below the footnote for an important announcement regarding the next four weeks]
If we have a High Priest why does the picture to the left have a red X through it? Have I lost my mind? No I haven’t but of course I’d say that regardless.
What the picture with the X is trying to communicate is we have a High Priest but it isn’t like the one in the picture. The person in the picture is an artist’s best guess as to what an Old Testament High Priest would look like . . . and for all I know the artist could be exactly correct. The issue is our High Priest isn’t like that person, that man; our High Priest is Jesus and he never looked like that.
“Where is all this coming from?” you may be asking? It comes from our Hebrews text frm today’s Lectionary. The author of Hebrews, whoever they might be,* refers to Jesus as being our priest in the order of Melchizedek. Huh?
Melchizedek is an enigmatic figure from the Old Testament who received a tithe (ten per cent) of all Abram (later known as Abraham) captured from his enemies in a war. Giving ten per cent to one’s God or gods was a common practice in those times so it is obvious Abram understood Melchizedek as a priest. This gift came after, “Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.” (Gen 14:19 New Living Translation). This is the person Jesus is connected to as priest, not Aaron nor Levi.
“Our High Priest” (to download, right-click and select “Save Link As . . .”)
Blessings,
*I am reasonably convinced Priscilla wrote the book of Hebrews but I am well aware not everyone shares this belief so I am putting it in a footnote 😉
Announcement
The announcement is: I will be taking the next four weeks off to rest and recuperate from the past few months which have been unusually demanding. I strongly encourage you to find another church to attend, online or in-person as you wish, and if you would like a suggestion, the link below will take you to the worship service of First Presbyterian, Regina. Rev. Amanda Currie is the minister there and is an excellent preacher. The service is similar to our but different enough to be an enjoyable change, at least so is my hope. Regardless, enjoy the different opportunities you have for worship.
First Presbyterian Church, Regina, Worship Service – 10:30 AM Regina time
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