Scripture to Read: Hebrews 5:9-10
The fact that Christ had to suffer on our behalf to pay the penalty for our sin is humbling. As we read in yesterday’s devotion, Christ learned obedience through His suffering, not that He was not already perfect and obedient. Still, Christ showed us how to live in obedience to the Father through suffering. Christ, through His suffering, was perfect in every way and because He’s perfect, He is our source of eternal salvation. When people try to earn their way into God’s favor, when they try to create their own “source” for their salvation through their good works and their human efforts, what they are saying, through their actions, is that Christ is not sufficient for them. Christ is Who everyone needs, and Christ is all we need to be in a right relationship with our Heavenly Father. That is why God the Father designated (appointed, chose) Christ as our Great High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek. The prophecy in Zechariah 6:13 says of Christ, “Yes, it is He who will build the temple of the Lord, and He who will bear the honor and sit and rule on His throne. Thus, He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices.” Then, Christ Himself said in John 14:2 “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.” He reigns forever as High Priest, and we will reign with Him in His temple.
Challenge & Application
How has suffering shaped you as a follower of Christ?
Knowing that Christ is our only source for eternal salvation, who needs to hear this truth from you today?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!