City Life Starter

Written by Paul Lane

The Word

²³ The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, ²⁴ but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. ²⁵ Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

²⁶ For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. ²⁷ He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. ²⁸ For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

Hebrews 7:23-28 (ESV)

101 I will sing of mercy and justice (judgement);
To You, Lord, I will sing praises.
² I will carefully attend to the blameless way (way of integrity.)
When will You come to me?
I will walk within my house in the integrity (blamelessness) of my heart.
³ I will set no worthless thing before my eyes;
I hate the work of those who fall away (practice of apostasy);
It shall not cling to me.
⁴ A perverse heart shall leave me;
I will know no evil.
⁵ Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy (silence);
I will not endure one who has a haughty look and an arrogant heart.

⁶ My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me;
One who walks in a blameless way (way of integrity) is one who will serve me.
⁷ One who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house;
One who speaks lies shall not maintain his position before me (be established before my eyes.)
⁸ Every morning I will destroy (silence) all the wicked of the land,
So as to eliminate from the city of the Lord all those who do injustice.

Psalm 101:1-8 (NASB)

Reflection

Verse 25 in this week’s passage keeps echoing in my mind. 

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he   It is important to note that it says that “

…he is able to save…” is a statement about capability and not about obligations.  So, we are confronted with the thought that Jesus can save you, but that is not enough to say that He will save you.  The reason this is important is because we must leave no room for someone to sneak in a different gospel. 

Take the example of a rich man and a poor man.  The rich man is able to give money to the poor man, but it does not mean that he will.  If he does not, does that mean that he is doing something wrong or immoral?  Given only these facts, you must say that you do not have enough information to make a judgement.  So, what are the other facts that you would need to make this judgement?  I think knowing the history of these two men would be useful.  If the poor man was poor because he was wasteful and irresponsible, or perhaps simply an addict, it might be irresponsible of the rich man to give him money.

I once heard a sermon in which the preacher noted that some people are poor to save them from the destruction they would reap if they had money.  Can you imagine such a person?  Someone who is so bent toward pleasure or self-gratification that they don’t take care of themselves.  Careful of any mirrors that might be nearby.

The writer of Hebrews qualifies the salvation that comes through Jesus.  Though he is able to save, actual salvation only comes to certain people.  The scripture says that salvation comes to those who draw near to God, through Jesus.  Even our drawing near to God has a qualification.  We are not able to draw near to God on our own.  We must draw near, through Jesus Christ, for there is no other path to God.

Yes, Jesus is able to save everyone, and that salvation is the most wonderful state for any human.  But such a thing can only come through the obedience to the one perfect God.  It is the highest achievement of man, and it can only be realized through the saving grace of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Application

Read today’s scripture slowly and notice what it would take for you to draw near to God, in your life.  Are there things that you need to put away?  Are there things that you have left undone?  Also note that the type of salvation that Jesus has for you is like no other salvation that might be offered.  His salvation, his sacrifice is perfect, and only a perfect salvation would be effective to save imperfect people.

So, to qualify for drawing near to God there are three things you need to do.  First you must repent and turn away from your old corrupt life.  The corrupt man will not survive in the presence of a perfect and holy God.  Second, you must obey.  There are ways that seem right to us, but they end in destruction.  So, for the perfect salvation from a perfect being to work, we must learn to follow perfect instructions.  Third, and very often forgotten, you must receive.  The ground that refuses to receive water will not grow plants.  So, we must receive what God has for us that we might be healed and grow. You might wonder if healing is possible. I would just say, it is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfOF-fE5PDw

Prayer

Dear Lord, You hold the keys to all knowledge and wisdom.  Teach me to follow Your ways and to live within Your plan for my life.  For I know that I will receive no higher happiness outside the destiny You have planned for me.  In all things and at all times I thank You and give You praise.  Amen.