Pastor continued the 5th message on The Bridge. He noted how bridges are amazing and collapses are frightening. Our greatest need is a bridge to our heavenly Father.
We often find it is frustrating to talk to middle man. Sometimes the middleman misinterprets or mixes the message but other times the middleman serves as a buffer.
Hebrews 5:1-10 tells us that Jesus was appointed by God as our High Priest... v9.
Point: Jesus is our perfect way and only way to right standing with God.
To understand the importance of Jesus as our High Priest, we have to understand the Old Testament role of High Priest. He was from the Levitical line and appointed by God. He was to live by a high standard with very strict requirements, including clothing. If the was disobedient, he would lose his life. The High Priest was the representative and intermediary for the people. He is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people. Verse 2. He offers sacrifice for his own sins as well as the people. Verse 3.
Jesus lived as man and suffered. Verse 8. He suffered through sorrow, betrayal, fatigue, frustration...He understands you. Jesus is qualified and absolutely can relate to us.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. John 14:6. But salvation is not the end of our need.
1 John 5:20 tells us that “He is only true God, and He is eternal life.”
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5.
Jesus, who was Himself God, humbled himself to become human, and as a man he became obedient to death, even death on the cross. Philippians 2:5-11.
We need that continuing relationship of submitting to Christ. We need to stop trying to get into God graces by our own means and measures, but rather, surrender.
It is all about Him, not us. His love. His sacrifice, His Grace.
Give all your sense of accomplishment to Christ.
Because of who HE IS, not who I am.
I looked at several song videos but was led to use this one.
It gives me chills!
Verses for Today:Hebrews 5:7-10 NIV
7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Lord, I stand amazed and in awe at the sacrifice and gift your love has given to me. I praise and thank you!
