IMMUTABLE
Today’s Reading: Hebrews 5-6
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
This manger scene is not much different today than it was 2,000 years ago at the birth of Jesus. Bethlehem shepherds had the contract to provide lambs for sacrifice, which the priests in the Temple at Jerusalem (5 miles north of Bethlehem) would sacrifice on the altars. Once a year, the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies with a bowl of the blood of a Bethlehem-born sacrificial lamb, offering the blood for atonement for the sins of the people. Jesus, born in Bethlehem, is our sacrificial Lamb. John the Baptist said of Jesus, as recorded in John 1:29, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Hebrews 5:4-6
And no man takes this honour to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: “You are My Son. Today I have begotten You” [Psalm 2:7], and in another place, “You are a Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” [Psalm 119:4].
Just imagine, we are let in on a conversation between God the Father and God the Son, which took place in eternity past. Wow!!!
In today’s reading, the words “according to the order of Melchizedek” are repeated twice. The name of this King of Salem (Jerusalem) and this Priest of God, literally means, “King,” “Priest” (read Genesis 14:17-20). This King-Priest offered bread and wine to Abraham and to those with him. This may have been the first eucharist or communion service. Tomorrow’s reading also features Melchizedek. We might want to read ahead in Hebrews 7. Reading these Scriptures at least twice is an excellent practice.
The other twice-repeated word for today is “immutability” and “immutable” (6:17-18). This means “impossible to change”! The promises of God are totally reliable because they are grounded on the very bedrock of His Divine Nature. If it were possible for God to lie, He would no longer be God. Absolute TRUTH is an essential quality of His character. Every evidence that is necessary to confirm the eternal Priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ has been provided. Our Bethlehem-born Lamb of God has offered His own Body and Blood in the very presence of God in Heaven. His sacrifice for sin has been accepted by God on our behalf. What assurance!!!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Thank You, Jesus, that You are my Priest. You have presented Your own Body and Blood to God as the eternal, once for all, Sacrifice for my sin. You represent me before the throne of God in Heaven. Back here on Earth, I pray for grace to present myself to You daily in full assurance of the Salvation You have provided. Thank You that You’ve given me permission to use Your Name for entrance into “The Holy of Holies” as I pray. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I had the opportunity to answer a question from Helmut Kohl, former Chancellor of Germany. He asked me, “Can a person know here in this life that they are going to Heaven?” I quoted Hebrews 6:18 to him…”It is impossible for God to lie,” and then I proceeded to give Him several of God’s promises about eternal life. You can read a fuller account of this God appointment in my book, This Far By Faith, pages 64-66. I’ve given copies of this book to people who lack assurance of their Salvation and pointed them to the Chancellor’s story. Here’s how to order my latest book.
Yours for a most Merry Christmas season. “A merry heart does good like a medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).
David
Hi everyone, this is Geri’s sister Kathy and I wanted to ask you to pray for Geri as she had to go to be admitted to the hospital yesterday (heart related). She doesn’t know what exactly happened as she was at home alone. She is ok and will be seeing the Cardiologist today. She would appreciate your prayers. God bless.
Dear Lord God, thank You for sending your Son for us. Thank You, Jesus, for being our Good Shepherd; for laying down your life for us; for being our High Priest who understands us even in our weaknesses; for interceding and caring for us. Thank You for your Holy Spirit who comforts, teaches, and strengthens us. And thank You for your church, your body here on earth. Please help all your people to be the light You made us to be, so people will be drawn to You as the wise men were when they saw the star.
We lift up our families, our leaders, our government, our neighbours, our coworkers, and ourselves to You, Lord, and ask You to have your way among us, in Jesus’s great name, amen
Amen,Rob.Your prays are always full of meaning.Merry Christmas to all ‘and to all’,may God bless
Thank you, Rob for a most encompassing prayer, which I also prayed. Merry Christmas and may God richly bless you.
Amen!
I always look forward to your prayers.
Amen Rob
Yes I also look forward to your prays.
Amen Rob, I agree in prayer with you
Thank you Jesus for being our King! Wonderful scripture, message and prayer, today. Holding all Saints in prayer. Wishing you much love and blessings. Amen.
I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.
Psalm 145:1 ESV
Lauren Daigle – Noel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGg7KdN19rs
Amen
Look forward to your prays also!!
Please pray for my sister in law Pina, daughters Samantha and Cassandra and granddaughter Vienna.
My brother Joey passed away suddenly last Monday.
He know the Lord but had depression and anxiety problems.
Praise the Lord He is With The Lord In Peace.
Lord You know the family of Teresa; they are mourning the loss of a brother; we pray he is with You Lord, all depression and anxiety gone; be with the family as they make plans for Christmas and for grieving the loss of Joey; Lord You understand us completely; You know all our feelings and our deep dark secrets; we pray Lord and Thank You that we can confess all our sins to you and You will forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespassed against us; we do not know what each hour brings BUT we are thankful that You Lord know our daily walks; bless this family; help them to remember the good times they had with Joey; we bring this prayer to You Lord and in Jesus Name we Pray amen amen amen
Praise the Lord, Joey is with Jesus!
Lord I pray for Your comfort and peace mind and heart for each member of Joey’s family. Hold them in the psalm of your hand at this time of sorrow.
Scripture, prayer and David’s comments are encouraging. Thank You Jesus You are our High Priest and You opened the Door for us to the Holy of Hollies where we may enter boldly in time of need.
Thank You Father in Heaven that You do not Lie, we can lean on You and know we are safe, Praise Your Holy Name, Amen!