In addition, there is also God’s vow. There was no such vow when the others were made priests. But Jesus became a priest by means of a vow when God said to him, "The LORD has made a solemn promise and will not take it back: ‘You will be a priest forever.’’’ This difference, then, also makes Jesus the guarantee of a better covenant.

There is another difference: there were many of those other priests, because they died and could not continue their work. But Jesus lives on forever, and his work as priest does not pass on to someone else. And so he is able, now and always, to save those who come to God through him, because he lives forever to plead with God for them.

Jesus, then, is the High Priest that meets our needs. He is holy; he has no fault or sin in him; he has been set apart from sinners and raised above the heavens. He is not like other high priests; he does not need to offer sacrifices every day for his own sins first and then for the sins of the people. He offered one sacrifice, once and for all, when he offered himself. The Law of Moses appoints men who are imperfect to be high priests; but God’s promise made with the vow, which came later than the Law, appoints the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

Hebrews 7:20-28

We can draw strength and courage from Jesus. He is our priestly representative before God the Father. Are difficult circumstances creating fear with you? Ask Jesus to pray for you.

When everything turns against you,

remember that Jesus is praying for you.

Our Daily Bread – May 24, 2002