“Such a high priest [Jesus] truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.” Hebrews 7:24-26
Recently I heard the tragic case of a grandmother who discovered that the two-year-old granddaughter she was caring for had wandered out the back door and fallen into the family pool. The aged woman, despite her inability to swim, jumped in to save the little one. Several hours later family members found their lifeless bodies at the bottom of the pool.
We shake our heads and wonder what that grandma was thinking. But maybe she wasn’t thinking. Quite likely she acted out of loving panic with no thought for herself. In one way it makes for an image of sacrificial love, yet it falls short.
The incident reminds us that when people need saving, they need not only one who is willing to save, but who is also able to save.
Jesus’ fits these criteria. As he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, he said “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Jesus submitted his will to God. He was willing to die for us.
But Jesus was also able to save. The writer of Hebrews explains:
“…because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.” (Hebrews 7:24-26)
In his perfection Jesus became the perfect lover, both willing and able to redeem us from our sins. Have you accepted God’s love through Christ? Are you leaning on Him who is willing and able to save you?
God, thank you for loving me enough to send Christ to save me. Jesus, thank you for your obedience to God the Father. I accept your forgiveness and payment for my sin. Amen.
Thought: Read a love story in the Bible. The Book of John is one of the gospels that tells of Jesus’ life and ministry on earth. Chapters 17-21 describe his last days of his arrest, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection – a truly great love story.
By Dr. Bill Strom
Used by Permission
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