Week 45: Presenting our Gifts

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:

• Sunday: Ezekiel 10:1-11:25, Hebrews 6:1-20, Psalm 105:16-36, Proverbs 27:1-2
• Monday: Ezekiel 12:1-14:11, Hebrews 7:1-17, Psalm 105:37-45, Proverbs 27:3
• Tuesday: Ezekiel 14:12-16:41, Hebrews 7:18-28, Psalm 106:1-12, Proverbs 27:4-6
• Wednesday: Ezekiel 16:42-17:24, Hebrews 8:1-13, Psalm 106:13-31, Proverbs 27:7-9
• Thursday: Ezekiel 18:1-19:14, Hebrews 9:1-10, Psalm 106:32-48, Proverbs 27:10
• Friday: Ezekiel 20:1-49, Hebrews 9:11-28, Psalm 107:1-43, Proverbs 27:11
• Saturday: Ezekiel 21:1-22:31, Hebrews 10:1-17, Psalm 108:1-13, Proverbs 27:12

Our S.O.A.P. this week is from the book of Hebrews:

 

Scripture: Hebrews 7:26

"He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has now been set apart from sinners, and he has been given the highest place of honor in heaven."

Observation:
The book of Hebrews is somewhat difficult to understand at times. The author spends a lot of time explaining the principles of the Jewish priesthood, and how Jesus is the perfect high priest. What exactly does that mean, the fact that Jesus is a high priest? Well, for that we have to go to Hebrews Chapter 5 verse 1, where we find a 'definition' of what a high priest is:

"Now a high priest is a man chosen to represent other human beings in their dealings with God. He presents their gifts to God and offers their sacrifices for sins."

So a high priest is chosen, and his main function is to represent other human beings in their dealings with God. The two main tasks a high priest performs for people are described here: 1. The high priest presents their gifts to God, and 2. he offers sacrifices for their sin.

Application:
The fact that Jesus is our high priest, means that he is the one who represents us in our dealings with God. According to the definition above, this means that He presents our gifts to God, and He offers sacrifices for our sin, which He did once and for all on the cross. I knew that Jesus offered sacrifices for my sin (himself, holy & blameless), but what struck me was the other task that the high priest does for us: He presents our gifts to God. What gifts are these? Well, I think these gifts could be our acts of service, our love for one another, our monetary offerings, etc. Whatever we bring to honor God, Jesus presents that gift to the Father. How awesome is that when you think of it?

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for representing us in our dealings with God. There is no better ambassador we could have than you. We love you and praise you, and want to offer our lives as a living sacrifice to honor you. In your name we pray. Amen.

Have a great week!

In Christ,

Dick