A Word from Hebrews 10

I’m gonna guess that you’ve probably heard about “the priesthood of all believers.” At its best, this is the idea that none of us need a priest or a pastor to be a “middleman” between ourselves and God, because Jesus and Jesus alone provides that access. However, in reading today’s word from Hebrews 10, I wonder if there’s a different idea of what priesthood is all about to which we incorrectly cling.

The author of Hebrews says, “Day after day, every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again, he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.” (10:11) And I can’t help but wonder, if deep down, some of us think about our priesthood that way. We think our it’s responsibility to perform “religious duties” in the hope that, somehow, they’ll make us right with God.

But as Hebrews goes on to say, “But when this priest (namely Jesus) had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God…For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” (10:12;14) You see, it’s the sacrifice of Jesus that gives us access to the Father—and not the good deeds and spiritual disciplines we do to get on God’s good side.

And if we understand that, then we can join with the author of Hebrews in this bold declaration of faith: “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings… And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (10:19-25)

So, my fellow priests, may we trust in THE Priest today. And even if winter weather keeps us from meeting together this weekend, may we still find ways to encourage each other, as we trust in the Savior who’s done all that was needed to usher us into the presence of God. Amen.