Note sull'episodio
Apostle and High Priest
Lord Jesus, you are exalted to the highest place. Your name is above every other name – every ruler and principality and power, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.
So today we pray in the name of Jesus—that every knee would bow and every tongue confess that you are Lord. Not because we have the strength to make it happen, but because you do. Not because our plans are sufficient, but because your power is limitless.
Read: Psalm 25:4–5
Pause and pray
In the chapters before today’s reading, the author of the book of Hebrews has been emphasising to their readers that Jesus Christ is superior to any other spiritual beings or powers or authorities. Now they explain that he must take precedence over even the greatest of human leaders…
Read: Hebrews 3:1–6
Moses was the greatest hero of the Old Testament, and it seems the writer of Hebrews needed to remind their early Christian audience not to place him above Jesus. Moses was a servant; Jesus is the Son. As I join with the Church around the world to pray,
I am reminded that it is easy to idolise those in spiritual leadership; to let my admiration result in me looking to human beings for direction, ahead of listening to God for myself.
By calling Jesus both “Apostle and High Priest”, the author of Hebrews reminds me that Jesus must be my senior leader and that his words, his example, his ways should be the single greatest source of authority in my life.
Lord Jesus, my Apostle and my High Priest, help me to keep you as the number one influencer in my life. Help me to hear you more clearly through your word and by your Spirit today.
Pause and pray
Today’s passage praises Moses as a faithful leader of God’s people. I pray now for the faithful church leaders in my community, those given to me by God to guide and support me in following Jesus.
Lord Jesus, I pray for the leaders of my church community as they serve under you, their Apostle and High Priest. Strengthen, refresh and equip them to bring your people together and build us into your house.
Pause and pray
As I return to the passage, I look out for a particular word or phrase that the Holy Spirit seems to be highlighting to me today…
Read again: Hebrews 3:1–6
I take a moment to reflect on any word or phrase that the Holy Spirit is highlighting for me.
Pause and pray
I am struck by the invitation to “fix my thoughts on Jesus”. I cannot be led by him unless I learn to recognise his voice, and that starts by giving him my undivided attention.
Yet I am so easily distracted – by my commitments, by my fears, by my phone. As the poet Mary Oliver writes: “Attention is the beginning of devotion.”* If I want to know Jesus more, I must start by clearing away the distractions.
Lord Jesus, I yield my attention back to you, my Apostle and High Priest. In a world of constant distraction, help me to develop the discipline to keep my mind on you, who deserves my all.
Amen.