The passage for today is an interesting and important one, showing what Jesus has done for us, by illustrating parallels between Jesus and Melchizedek. I’m not going to cover all of the passage, as it is fairly clear, but there are a few things that I want to draw your attention to. As usual, all I will do is teach from the scripture, but don’t be surprised if this cuts against some popular theological standpoints. Here goes.
The first part is about tithing. Now I’m not going to talk more about this now, as I’m sure this topic will come up again, but tithing is just as relevant today as it was then. It is NOT an old covenant theology, it actually pre-dates the law, so it is still relevant. Having said that, it is something that we need to do out of love, not out of obligation. Next time this topic comes us, I’ll discuss this more, as well as give you some personal testimonies.
The second thing that I wish to discuss is possibly more important, here is the verse relating to this (Verse 12). Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins. Sin, repentance and forgiveness. In my opinion, this is something that is very misunderstood. We often see repentance as grovelling before God, asking for His forgiveness, when we have sinned. I used to think this, until I realised that it is just not true. Repentance is about a decision, not how you feel. If you feel condemned, that is not from God, it is the devil who condemns. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that we should not apologise for what we do wrong, I am just saying that we have already been forgiven! Jesus died once and for all of our sins. He died for every sin that you have ever committed, and will ever commit, before you were even born. We don’t need to grovel, we don’t need to beg, we don’t even need to feel condemned, we just need to accept His forgiveness. So what about repentance? Well, let’s take a look at what repentance means. The word repent means ‘to change ones mind’. Yes, when you realise what is wrong and you change your mind to do what is right, that is repentance. No grovelling, no begging, just changing. Next time you repent of something, remember this, God is more interested in you changing your ways, than just saying sorry.
We are called to change, we are called to renew our minds, we are called to be the salt and light, we are called to do what is right. We are not called to feel sorry for ourselves, we are not called to be condemned, we are not called to grovel. We have life and life abundant, thanks to Jesus! Now if you’re getting ready to ask me if this means that we can go on sinning, then I will be happy that you have misunderstood me. When Paul spoke about this, they misunderstood him and asked him the same question. My answer is the same as his. Of course not! I am saying that we don’t need to be weighed down by sin, we just need to change our ways, accept God’s forgiveness, and give thanks to Jesus for making this all possible.
So what are you going to do about this. Make a change, change your ways for those of God, accept His forgiveness. Make a change that counts, don’t just keep running to God grovelling, He doesn’t want that. He wants you to be free, that is why He sent Jesus. Accept it and move forward!
All the best.
Richard
walking on water ministries 