Hebrews 5
Hebrews' author continues (see also post yesterday) to describe Jesus as high priest in the order of Melchizedek - however, we are to understand that, according to John Piper, " Jesus Christ, God's Son, has not just come to fit into the earthly system of priestly ministry as the best and final human priest, but he has come to fulfill and put an end to that system and to orient all our attention on himself ministering for us in heaven". This description of Christ's priesthood continues into chapter 10 and here in chapter 5 the author pauses to describe spiritual maturity (which extends into Hebrews 6:1-3).
I am reminded from previous posts that John Piper, a pastor I respect and follow, writes how spiritual maturity for believers is not optional.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has done away with animal sacrifices and similar ceremonial laws - giving me access to a personal Lord and Savior that I can approach with confidence without such ceremonial laws. I am grateful Jesus that You are my PERSONAL Lord and Savior and that You reign forever and throughout the heavens and the universe. You are Lord of Lords and Kings. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such a God that You died for me and that You continue to love me. I worry and I have other sin. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. v12-14
Hebrews' author continues (see also post yesterday) to describe Jesus as high priest in the order of Melchizedek - however, we are to understand that, according to John Piper, " Jesus Christ, God's Son, has not just come to fit into the earthly system of priestly ministry as the best and final human priest, but he has come to fulfill and put an end to that system and to orient all our attention on himself ministering for us in heaven". This description of Christ's priesthood continues into chapter 10 and here in chapter 5 the author pauses to describe spiritual maturity (which extends into Hebrews 6:1-3).
I am reminded from previous posts that John Piper, a pastor I respect and follow, writes how spiritual maturity for believers is not optional.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has done away with animal sacrifices and similar ceremonial laws - giving me access to a personal Lord and Savior that I can approach with confidence without such ceremonial laws. I am grateful Jesus that You are my PERSONAL Lord and Savior and that You reign forever and throughout the heavens and the universe. You are Lord of Lords and Kings. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such a God that You died for me and that You continue to love me. I worry and I have other sin. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
