PrayerBits for Saturday

PrayerBits

A bite sized devotional program
produced by the West Side Presbyterian Church

Saturday

Scripture lesson: Hebrews 5:1-10 Who is Melchizedek

Time to reflect:Even though it is a side issue, the writer of Hebrews was making a point of connecting Jesus to Melchizedek. At this time (and for centuries before) there were major struggles among several priestly lines, all contending, sometimes violently, that their line was the legitimate one and they should have control of the temple in Jerusalem. The author of Hebrews wanted to use the “High Priest” analogy in relation to Jesus, By connecting Jesus with Melchizedek, he avoids triggering any of these divisive and irrelevant issues. Melchizedek, is mentioned in Genesis 14:17-20, a priest/king of Jerusalem before the time of any of the contending lines of priests.

Moving through the day: We do not need an earthly priest, we can address the High Priest Christ anytime we want. Pray to Christ, acknowledging his power to save.

Scripture:

Hebrews 5:1-10

5Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; 3and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. 4And one does not presume to take this honour, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

5 So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,
‘You are my Son,
   today I have begotten you’;
6as he says also in another place,
‘You are a priest for ever,
   according to the order of Melchizedek.’

7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus* offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 10having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.