Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
As we read this chapter, it might help to remind ourselves of the title of the book – it's the letter to the Hebrews. In other words, it's aimed at Jewish Christians deeply immersed in what we call the Old Testament. They were looking for traces of Jesus in the Scriptures they had grown up with. The author's exposition of Melchizedek, the mysterious figure who appears in one of the stories of Abraham (Genesis 14.17–21), sets Jesus aside from the priesthood of Aaron's dynasty. He is not just another priest, but owes his status to no one except God: 'He was made a priest, not by human rules and regulations, but through the power of a life which has no end' (verse 16).
All this bolsters the argument we see throughout Hebrews: Jesus is different. Because of his divine high priesthood, he is 'able, now and always, to save those who come to God through him, because he lives for ever to plead with God for them' (verse 25).
A priest is a link between two worlds, the human and the divine. The Latin word for 'priest' is 'pontifex', 'bridge-builder'; that's what they do, though they're personally weak and imperfect. Jesus is our bridge – but unlike the perilous rope bridges beloved of filmmakers, with their rotten planks and fraying cables, he makes a perfect way for us to God.
God, thank you for reaching out to your fallen world and giving us a way back to you. Help me to be a bridge-builder too, leading others to Christ who is the way, the truth and the life.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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