Mon.’s Devo - Our Faithful High Priest

Read: Ezekiel 14:12-16:41; Hebreews 7:18-28; Psalm 106:1-12; Prover s 27:4-6 God gave Ezekiel four scenarios: famine, wild animals, war, or disease. In every one of them there would only be a few survivors. God would still judge them even if faithful people like Moses, Daniel, or Job were among them. When they people get to Babylon, Ezekiel would see for himself how wicked the people had become. *** God likened the people to vines. Compared to trees, they were not worth anything but being burned in fire. The wood from trees could be used for many different things, but not vines. God was throwing these worthless vines into the fire of his judgment. *** God told Ezekiel to confront Israel with her sins. When God found them they were half-Canaanite/ half-Amorites and God took them and made them his people. He washed them, clothed them and lavished them with riches. Instead of being grateful and worshipping him, they worshiped everything but him. They took the gods of all the countries around them and even sacrificed their own children to their false gods. They built pagan shrines on every street corner and when they were handed over to the Philistines, even they were shocked by your lewd conduct. *** God said that since they did all these detestable things, he would turn them over to all the nations who were their lovers and they would destroy Israel. The would knock down their pagan shrines and altars to their idols. They would take their beautiful jewels, and leave them with nothing. They would burn down their homes and stop their prostitution. *** In Hebrews, God points out how the old priesthood didn’t work and the law didn’t make anyone perfect. But, through Jesus, we have a better hope. God promised that Jesus is our forever priest. He brought us a better covenant. The priests before, died and were not able to continue their service, but Jesus continues to live forever making intercession for us to God. *** Jesus is holy and blameless and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven. Unlike the priests of the Old Testament, Jesus doesn’t have to offer sacrifices every day. He did this once and for all when he offered himself on the cross. He is the perfect High Priest. *** Jesus, thank you for being our High Priest and offering prayers for us daily. Thank you that you know exactly what we need and the needs of our family. Thank you that your prayer is the perfect prayer to God and we can trust that you are faithful and just.