“Earlier there were a lot of priests, for they died and had to be replaced. But Jesus’ priesthood is permanent. He’s there from now to eternity to save everyone who comes to God through him, always on the job to speak up for them.” Hebrews 7:24-25 The Message.
“ Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. 24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:24-25 NKJV
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Sometimes I struggle with the language of the The Message version of the Bible, but these verses in Hebrews are great Lord. They take the complicated and say it like it it is! Imagine if we still had to have priests endlessly making sacrifices for us and we still did not have assurance we were forgiven. And the Priests were sinners too. They got annoyed, angry, impatient and could not be good all time!
You, Jesus became our advocate (a person who puts a case on someone else’s behalf). Speaking to You, God on our behalf from within the Trinity. Jesus, qualified because He lived a sinless life and yet died to pay for our sin. He dealt with it once and for all. Now He is with You, always, ever pleading our cause.
Who else can speak up for us with You God? Who else is always on the job! Always ready to intercede for someone seeking forgiveness. Always willing to grant salvation to a longing heart. Always hearing and answering prayer in total agreement with You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
For our family, friends and neighbours. Each with a need, a hope a worry. Hear and answer.
For our church family. Lent groups. Send a harvest of new believers. less our congregations.
For the Royal family. You know their needs.
For our government. House of commons, House of Lords, civil servants. Renew, refresh.
For an end to the war in Ukraine. Send a miracle. Draw Russia back.
For Gaza. a way to end hostilities and help them broker peace. Enable medical and food aid.
For Haiti, for evil drug gangs to be confounded and fail. Relieve those in poverty, fear and hunger.
For those who are advocates for others who cannot speak for themselves. For the wrongly accused.
For the wonderful charities and missions we support around the world. To prosper and do well..
For moments to give thanks for Jesus who never stops interceding on our behalf.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 15h March 2024
A Yale graduate, Ray penned the words to this hymn in a notebook he used for poetry, prayers, and prose. He wrote it in response to a difficult year and never intended for anyone to see it. Years later, his friend, composer Lowell Mason, asked him if he had anything to contribute to a book of hymns. Ray showed him the words to ‘My faith looks up to Thee’. Mason loved them and went to work putting them to music. I am so glad he did.
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray;
Take all my guilt away.
Oh let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire.
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh may my love to Thee
Pure, warm and changeless be,
A living fire.
When life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread
Be Thou my Guide.
Bid darkness turn to day;
Wipe sorrow’s tears away;
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside!
When ends life’s transient dream,
when death’s cold, sullen stream
shall o’er me roll,
blest Savior, then in love,
fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above,
a ransomed soul.
Lyrics: Ray Parker.