Ways I Have Learned to Trust God This past 12 months.

This past year I have gone through a number of difficult situations in my life. I stepped into new areas of leadership, I gave up some areas of leadership and I began new directions on some relationships in my life.

See, each of these transitions took me out of my comfort zone. I love getting to lead at the church level. I love having the privilege of preaching the Gospel. I love the relationships I have in my life and I love cultivating new relationships.

I full-heartedly believe that these transitory moments in our lives prepare us for all of the big and sometimes uncomfortable moments that happen in our lives. In each of these moments, I learned a new level of trust with God, but it wasn’t always easy.

I can’t say that I’m an expert at trusting God, but I can say that there are three ways of trusting God that have helped me to not only know but also believe that I serve a trustworthy God.

Develop a childlike trust. In Matthew 18, Jesus reminds his disciples that, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” We often use the first few verses of Matthew 18 to describe a childlike faith, but I want to talk about a childlike trust. Whether we call Him Papa, Abba, Father, or just Dad, many Christians know and understand that He is a nurturing and paternal God.

I believe that learning how to trust the Father in a childlike way is understanding our desperation for the Father, trusting Him without questions, and following Him because He knows how to do His job. I am helpless on my own but I am loved, led, and protected by my Father.

This is a very blind trust. From the world’s perspective, blindly trusting someone is scary and foolish. We need people to prove themselves trustworthy- sometimes over and over and over again- and even then, their actions may not be enough for them to earn our trust. This isn’t the way a child trusts their dad. As a child, I trust my Dad because I need to.

Grown trust. I believe that a grown trust represents our understanding that we serve a good God and a sovereign God. This kind of trust takes a bit of maturity and depth to understand. Much like a childlike trust or a blind trust, I don’t always know what God is doing, but I can trust Him because he tells me that I can. Even when I don’t understand what is happening in my current circumstances, I can see the good in what God is doing in, around, and beyond those circumstances.

I know that I follow a God who is Lord of all things and works to make all things work together for my good. This helps me to have a grown trust that says, I know that God is good, I know that God is sovereign, and because of these two things, I believe that I can trust God.

Aged trust. Philippians 4:17, And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

When I think about people who are much older and wiser than I am, I know that their number of life experiences far outweigh mine. I know that they have seen the ups and downs of life and that they probably understand that everything will work itself out eventually.

I think that part of having an aged trust is knowing that everything is going to be okay. Life isn’t perfect this side of Heaven, there are high seasons and low seasons, but understanding that one day the storm will pass makes it easier to get through those low seasons.This type of trust goes deeper than simply thinking everything is going to be okay, because honestly, there may be times where it isn’t okay or it won’t be okay.

In John 16:33, Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus doesn’t say, “But take heart! Everything will be okay!” He says, ”But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

I know that I will have trouble in this world, but I know that Jesus is bigger than my trouble. I know that regardless of how messy this life gets, I can have a peace that surpasses all understanding because Jesus has overcome the world. This is a trust that says, “everything is going to be okay, even when it isn’t.” Blessings on the journey.

Understanding Discernment.

True discernment is impossible without divine power. We need the true Discerner—the Holy Spirit—to lead us into all truth (John 16:13).

We cannot fully understand what God is saying to us in His Word without the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. “The thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.” Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:11,

We have received . . . the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one.

1 Corinthians 2:12-15

Discernment ultimately depends on the Holy Spirit. As we are filled with and controlled by the Spirit of God, He makes us discerning. He leads us into all truth by granting us hunger for God’s Word and the ability to discern its true meaning—something the “natural human” is incapable of doing. 

The illumination of Scripture through the indwelling Holy Spirit is the fundamental necessity of all discernment. And true discernment requires diligent study of God’s Word and prayer. Every other tool of discernment is contingent on this reality. No one can be truly discerning apart from mastery of the Word of God and prayer. All the desire in the world cannot make you discerning if you don’t study Scripture and pray for discernment. Obedience alone will not suffice. Good role models won’t do it either. If you really want to be discerning, you must diligently study the Word of God and have a consistent prayer life.

And God’s Word is where you will learn the principles for discernment. It is there you will learn the truth. Only there can you follow the path of spiritual maturity.

How? “Be diligent.” Being diligent pictures a worker giving maximum effort in his or her work. It describes someone driven by a commitment to excellence—“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God.” The Greek phrase literally speaks of standing alongside God as a co-laborer worthy of identifying with Him.

So the encouragement today is that we will be people of the Word and people who pray. We want the indwelling of the Spirit of God to guide our daily steps. May you discover a daily habit of being in God’s Word and creating space to pray. Start today so that you will effect tomorrow and the days that lie ahead. Blessings on your journey.

Trust and Obey for a Positive Life.

I learned from an early age the importance of resting in the sovereignty of God and then surrendering to the sovereignty of God. Resting in God’s sovereignty—that’s the trust part—and then surrendering to God’s sovereignty—that’s the obey part. 

 Our family had a high view of God. Most of us today have a high view of self. What matters most to us is our feelings, our thoughts, our ambitions, our plans, our ideas, and our opinions. But what should matter supremely is, “What does God think? What matters to God? What is His opinion?” 

 You see, my mom taught us that God is sovereign, which is a sophisticated way for saying He’s the Boss! He is in control. He is the supreme Ruler of heaven and earth. 

 Joy comes when we acknowledge that He is Lord, when we trust His sovereignty and surrender to it. That means that God has the right to give and He has the right to take away. 

 During my college years, I saw my mom respond to a series of difficult circumstances in a way that profoundly impacted my life. Over the next several years, my mom dealt with a divorce that was unfair. I saw a stay-at-home mom have to enter the work force to make ends meet. About the same time period, my mother went through life-threatening surgery to have breast cancer removed. 

 Through it all, I watched my mom rest in God’s sovereignty; I saw her be as calm and peaceful and devoted to Christ in that season of loss and pain as he had been in previous seasons of gain and ease. She modeled a quiet confidence that God knows what He’s doing, that He is all-wise and doesn’t make mistakes. That is the time period I came to believe at the core of my being that every event in our lives is being watched over by a wise, loving, and good God who really can be trusted. 

 I love that verse in Psalm 135 that says, “For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps” (vv. 5–6). 

 You see, God is in control. Whatever He pleases, He does. And if He does it, it’s because it pleases Him. We need to come to the place where we say, “Lord, if it pleases You, it pleases me. If it’s what You want, it’s what I want.” 

 Through my mom’s example and now through many years of personal experience, I’ve learned that we will never be more secure, more safe, more happy, and more satisfied, than when we are trusting and obeying. 

 What circumstances is God asking you to accept as coming from His sovereign hand? Would you take a moment to verbalize or write out a brief prayer in your journal or Bible expressing your desire to “trust and obey”? Blessings on the journey.

Learning to Forgive.

You and I have had moments when we were hurt and betrayed. We have had moments when we were vulnerable and had our heart stepped on. We’ve had moments when we wanted to hide in a corner because of how someone treated us. So in these moments, how do we move forward?

Well, there are some characteristics we will develop if we do not forgive and move forward. These are not the type of people we want to be or want to be around so measure if any of these ring true for you in your relationships.

When we get hurt one of the first things we do is create distance. When we choose not to offer forgiveness, we create space in our relationship. We end up shutting people out. We don’t call them, text them or interact on social media. If not careful, we can become numb to the needs of the people we love.

If we do not deal with the distance, we build walls. We don’t want to hurt anymore so we build walls to block the pain. Walls do keep the negative people out. The issue is, we also keep the positive people out of our life as well. We become so protective we loose the opportunity to build life-giving relationships.

If we leave the walls in place, it moves to a place of escalation. The smallest offense becomes something so grand, it seems impossible to overcome. We end up saying things we don’t really mean.

Ultimately, we reach a place of hostility toward the one who hurt us. We begin to go out of our way to make sure the “enemy” is as hurt as we are. But Paul tells us to act differently in Ephesians 4:31-32. He reminds us to get rid of all anger and rage and forgive others just like Jesus forgave us. If we are to become more like Jesus, it requires us to forgive others who have hurt us and move forward into a more positive place.

We all want a blessed life. Jesus told us if you want a blessed life then be a peace maker. A peace maker is a forgiver (Matthew 5:9). So what should I do if I want a blessed life?

Receive God’s forgiveness. Think about all the things in your own life that would keep you from Jesus and a blessed life. Aren’t you glad for God’s forgiveness? I am! How do I get that? By saying “yes” to Jesus. He gave his life for you and it’s through Jesus’ sacrifice that we find the peace and life we so desperately want.

Secondly, give what you have received. Healed people offer healing and forgiven people forgive people. Now remember that forgiveness doesn’t equal trust. When people hurt you, boundaries may be needed. Trust must be earned again. But start the process by offering forgiveness.

Finally, go first. I always say the most spiritually mature person will go first to listen, say “I’m sorry”, make reparations, and be compassionate. It will take faith on your part to move first but with the power of Jesus, you can do it. After all, Jesus went first in your relationship with him, right? Paul tells us in Romans 5:8 that while you were a sinner, Jesus died for you. He went first. So imitate him.

Look, it’s not easy forgiving those who hurt you but with the power of Jesus, you can (Ephesians 4:32). Forgiving is a powerful remedy to bring healing, peace and positivity to your life. Through the power of the Spirit, you can have all of it. Blessings on your journey.

Pour a Spiritual Footing.

North Texas soil is not the best to build on. In fact, most builders would say we should not build any houses in North Central Texas due to the shifting soil. Eventually, we all see cracks in our walls and ceiling. It’s not unlike our culture. We see the relational and social cracks all around from high divorce rates, to the high percentage of the fatherless. We see many families living at the poverty line and our economic and political system is in disarray.

Jesus calls us to a different life style. All through the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, Jesus tells us if we want to have a blessed life then live how he’s calling us to live. He says, “You have heard it said but now I say.” He tells us the kind of attitude we should have, how we handle our relationships and what worship and prayer should look like. At the end of the sermon, he tells a story about two builders, reminding us if we don’t want cracks in our life and relationships, the foundation on which we build everything in our life is so incredibly important.

When you look at both builders in Matthew 7:24-29, we see both of them had a dream to build something. Both went to the same church. Both heard Jesus speak. Both lived in the same neighborhood. Both endured the same storm. Yet one is called wise and the other a fool. Which is which can only be determined by the foundation on which they build their life and dreams.

You see, wise people act upon the Word of God. Jesus says in Matthew 7:24, wise people hear Jesus and then go and do what he has said. Wise people put into practice how Jesus is calling us to live every day.

Wise people do not compromise the Word. Jesus says in Matthew 15:6, “You cancel the Word of God for the sake of your own traditions.” When we try to mix our way (sand) and God’s way (rock), it’s called being double-minded and God will not bless that kind of life (James 1:7-8).

Wise people anchor their house on the Word of God. Both houses had beautiful curb appeal until the storm hit. The house built on sand came crashing down. For those of us who have decided to build our life on Jesus Christ, the storms will still come. The difference is our house or life will not crumble at the first gust of wind.

What we discover is that our foundation will determine our future. So if you want longevity; if you want a life with purpose; if you want a life that will stand through life’s storms, build on Jesus. Jesus invites us to surrender to him and in doing so, we will have the ability to withstand the storms of life. Blessings on the journey.

Spiritual Jedi Armor.

When I was in the Air Force between 1989-1996, I was issued things I’d need when I went into battle. So, because of my position as an mobile aerial port specialist and rigger, I was issued an M-16, a helmet, a flack jacket, a gas mask and other pieces that would aid my success to the mission. Paul talks about the things we need to put on in order to be successful in our spiritual battle against the enemy. Those items are found in Ephesians 6:10-18.

Paul tells us to put on the belt of truth. Look, Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44) so in order to remind ourselves, we need the truth that God gives us. Truth is what we use to combat the number one means the enemy uses to mess up your life and that is deception. Satan will use our culture, family of origin, our past mistakes to tell you lies about who you are. But Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:10 that we are “God’s masterpiece, created new in Christ Jesus to do good things.”

Paul tells us to put on the breastplate of righteousness. This is not talking about our saved condition since God has brought us from darkness to light through Jesus but more of a call to holy living…set-apartness from the world. As we follow Jesus every day, we try to look more and more like him. And in doing so, we look less like the world. James 4:17 tells us if you know what to do but fail to do it, it is sin. Live in a way that helps the world know you serve Jesus Christ.

He also calls us to put on the shoes of peace which is referring to sharing the Gospel with other people. We want everyone to know the hope they can have in Jesus so we don’t shy away from talking about how Jesus can change your life for the better. We offer a peace-filled life in Christ to all who would accept.

Pick up the shield of faith. We have an undeniable faith in Jesus to save us. Satan will come at you with lies, accusations, doubt, struggles and temptation. The shield of faith is taking the promises of God, the character of God and the power of God and holding those up against everything Satan throws at you. We have faith in what God says about us and how he will save us.

Put on the helmet of salvation is Paul’s charge. We live in such a way that our faith in that salvation makes every decision for us. Look, 90% of all spiritual battle occurs in the mind. So we transform the way we think by allowing the Holy Spirit to rule our thoughts and way of life. Jesus says in John 15, abide in me. He’s calling us to live with the kind of faith that helps us stay connected to him.

Pick up the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. It’s how Jesus battled Satan in the wilderness in Matthew 4. After every temptation, Jesus said, “It is written…” Jesus knew the Bible and used its power against the Devil. So, my challenge is for you to memorize at least 10 verses this summer. Commit to memory those verses that will help you battle Satan. Some of those might be Ephesians 2:10, Galatians 2:20, John 3:16, and Philippians 4:13.

Finally, pray all the time. Prayer is powerful and should be a part of your daily life. If you aren’t talking to God every day, you are simply inviting the enemy to attack. Prayer is simply talking to God about your hopes, dreams, your marriage, your kids, your church, ministry opportunities and the list goes on.

So our challenge is to put on the whole armor of God in order to combat the enemy. Be in God’s Word every single day. Pray all the time. Make sure you’re asking God to give you wisdom and vision in the day to day battle the goes on. Blessings on the journey.

Spiritual Jedi

Most everyone I know loves the Star Wars franchise. We grew up not well off financially so eating out and going out were seldom events. So imagine my surprise when we jumped in the car to go see The Empire Strikes Back!! It was an incredible moment and I watched everything Star Wars since then.

But what if I told you we really were in a battle against evil? What if I told you there was such a thing as a spiritual light saber (tune in next week for more on this)?

Paul introduces us to this battle against an unseen enemy who truly wants to destroy everything you love. In Ephesians 6:10-12, he describes our battle which is not against flesh and blood but against the unseen world following the Devil himself. But how does the Devil attack us if we can’t see him? Well, he’ll attack you where you are most vulnerable. Where ever the vulnerable place is in your life is where the Devil will attack. Here are the top 5:

Anger. I’m 50% Irish so I blame my anger streak on my heritage. But there is something about anger, if unchecked, allows the Devil to breakthrough your defenses and set up basecamp. Once we’ve allowed that, we will begin to justify all kinds of things to make us feel right about it.

Pride. Most of us have had moments of overconfidence. There have been times in your life when someone you know fell down metaphorically and you laughed. You said that would never happen to you. You are too “on top of it” for that to happen to you. When you do that, you’ve invited the enemy into your life.

Distraction. This might be the worst one currently as most Americans are very distracted. Social media does it to us all the time. You’ve experience God moving in your life in some way and then it happens. Work calls and they need you to work weekends. Something happens with the kids or your marriage. Some out of the blue thing occurs which makes you adjust the Kingdom work you were going to get in to.

Division. The Devil knows if he can get us to turn on each other, he’ll pick us off one by one. Jesus prayed for our unity in John 17 but for some reason, our selfishness gets in the way of working together for the cross and we end up with arms crossed, not working together.

Isolation. Over the last three years we’ve been isolated. It appears the very thing that kept us physically healthy has weakened us spiritually. Social distancing and isolation have been a death kneel for many folks who called themselves Christians. The worst thing we can do is say, “I don’t need people or the church. I’ve got this. I don’t need anyone.” The Apostle Peter says that the Devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour (1 Peter 5:8). Don’t be alone…it’s dangerous.

To be sure, we need Jesus Christ and we need the church. There’s way too much at stake to not take this battle seriously. Be alert. Realize the unseen world is real. Know where your vulnerabilities lie. Know through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can defeat the Devil. Blessings on your journey.

Great Mothers.

At different ages, we tend to think about our moms in different arenas. At age 4, you think she’s superwoman. At age 18, she’s so out of touch with the times. At age 35, you want to loop her in on important decisions and some of you just wish you could call mom one more time.

The story of Hannah and Samuel in 1 Samuel 1 is a time honored story about how godly women live. We are made aware that Hannah is infertile. So we learn early that Godly women have difficulties. Most of the time, we see Godly women with halos and angel wings. While that can be true, moms are just people and all people have difficulties.

Infertility in America is a growing problem. About 12% or 7.3 million people in America cannot have kids. Children are a blessing from God. And if you are struggling with infertility, I don’t know why you can’t have children and others can. But I do know this: your value to God is not based on your ability to have children. God loves you! You are made in his image. And you are part of a faith story that so many women of faith have as well.

To list a few godly women who struggled with infertility are Sarah, Abraham’s wife, who had her only child when she was 90 years old. Ruth, who was childless in her first marriage, remarried a guy named Boaz and so started the lineage of King David. Then there’s Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist who had him in her older years. So often childless women are the righteous matrarchs of faith.

Great mothers also keep great priorities. Hannah had a real, authentic relationship with God. She believed in the power of prayer and asked God to give her a son, which God eventually does. She also had a priority to love her husband, Elkanah. Even though she was childless, their marriage was one of honor, trust, support and true love.

Hannah also loved her extended family as well. Elkanah’s second wife, Peninnah, always taunted Hannah because Hannah didn’t have kids and she did. But there is no record of Hannah getting back at Peninnah.

When Hannah finally had Samuel, she poured into her son before giving him back to the Lord to become the prophet and priest of Israel. For as many as 7 years, she taught him to love God and love people. She taught him the Hebrew ways of honoring God. She taught him to live in a way that honored God. Hannah used those first few years to mold Samuel into the incredible man he would become for Israel.

Finally, great mothers make great plans. Hannah promised and planned to raise Samuel in the fear of the Lord and then give him back to God to serve in Kingdom work the rest of his life. Both God and Hannah had planned on Samuel becoming the prophet and priest of Israel and the king-maker for Saul and David.

In your own life, what kind of parent are you? We all have problems we deal with on a day-to-day basis. Do you include God in your difficulties with prayer just like Hannah? And do you set priorities to love God, your spouse, and your family just like Jesus loves you? What plans do you have in place to make sure your children know who the Lord is?

Parenting is an adventure. We are blessed to have children. Live every day in such a way to help those around you to see just how important God is in life. Blessings on the journey.

Graduation is a Mile Stone but Just the Beginning.

Graduation is a time of paradox—excitement combined with fear, beginnings blurred with endings, plans riddled with uncertainty. But it’s only the start of the rollercoaster called adulthood.

Here are four pieces of life advice that can support and equip you in your life as you venture into the world.

Plans and Dreams Change (But God Doesn’t). I’ve often heard, “God’s plan will take you places in your life you haven’t thought of yet.”

The pressure for a new graduate to appear successful and confident is excruciating. This is intensified by the well-meaning individuals who ask, as a form of small talk, “So, what are your plans now?” Not having a ready answer—or a traditional one—can turn a simple question into an agonizing struggle for grads who feel the pressure to perform according to everyone’s expectations.

One of the most encouraging truths you can share with a graduate is that even if their plans falter, God’s vision for their life is still secure. His purpose may (or may not) be different than what they were anticipating, but he will lead and guide them every step of the way.

A Degree Is Optional (But Integrity and Maturity Aren’t). In our culture, college has increasingly become a prerequisite for success. Going on to higher education can open a world of possibilities. Yet often we’re so busy caring about our grad’s career goals that we forget about their soul.

Colleges and degrees help graduates navigate the world of business, finances, and to get (and hold down) that little thing called a job. But there’s more to the substance of our lives. Grads need to consider their future work, but they also need to remember their souls.

Integrity, honesty, compassion, self-giving, and spiritual disciplines uphold graduates through the trials and tough times every adult faces. Focusing on the heart and pointing them to Jesus, we will encourage grads to be giving, sensitive, Christ-following individuals throughout their lives.

The World Will Tug at Your Heart (So Stand Firm). Do I need the world’s applause, approval, or acceptance? Should I alter my life to impress them, even if it’s not what would impress the Lord? Should I be swept into the current of what’s popular and lauded?

As teens head off to colleges and jobs, they’ll encounter a whole new level of peer pressure. New classmates and co-workers will influence—and perhaps change—them. Post-graduation is a season where commitments are tested and integrity tried.

That’s why it’s vital to send them off strong and equipped, committed to standing firm on truth. Point them to Scripture. Hold them accountable. Encourage them to find and join a local church. Model integrity. And most importantly, pray fervently. As you do, you’ll help them stand strong.

Keep God First (Always). The most powerful way you can help set grads up for success is by pointing them to Jesus Christ. Our human counsel can, and will, fall short. His never will.

As I think about the comments I received during graduation, I mostly heard things along the lines of “Reach for the stars” and “You’ve got this!” My friends wanted the best for me, and I’m thankful they cared enough to encourage me. But most of the words were hollow.

What if, instead of, “Reach for the stars,” we told our grads, “Reach for Jesus”? What if, instead of, “You’ve got this” we reminded them, “God’s got this”? What if we created with our words, and actions, a climate of desperate dependance on Christ? What if we prompted them to keep God first, no matter what?

We would have a generation of graduates more passionate about Jesus and more devoted to the things of God.

We only have so much influence over our graduates. So in addition to supporting them and cheering them on, point them to Jesus. And don’t forget to pray for their endeavors and successes. Pray they don’t give up after failure. Pray God leads them every day of their lives. Pray God places wise and godly people—and a healthy church—in their path. Pray they’ll stand strong and fix their eyes on Christ.

Jesus, the Perfect Mediator.

We all need help. We all need a priest. But not the kind we see today in fancy robes—those who claim to be God’s representatives to modern society. We need a perfect and sinless priest to represent us before a holy God. We need a representative to stand for us in the place where our sinful lives could not possibly survive—someone to successfully petition God for mercy, kindness, and compassion on our behalf. And the Pharisees understood this better than most.

Among the first things a Jew might have asked about another religion were, “Who is your high priest? Who mediates between you and God? Who offers the sacrifices to atone for your sins?” A Jew during the time of the early church may well have asked a Christian, “How are your sins going to be pardoned when you have no one offering sacrifices and no one interceding for you? How can you claim that this New Covenant supersedes and is superior to the Old Covenant made through Moses, when it leaves you without a high priest?”

The Christian would have replied, “But we do have a high priest, a perfect High Priest. He has offered sacrifice for our sins. He does not confine Himself to an earthly temple, nor does He have to sacrifice yearly, much less daily. He made one sacrifice that atones for all sins ever committed by His people, from the beginning to the end of time. That is how great a high priest He is and how great His sacrifice was. Not only that, but our High Priest is seated at the right hand of God and continually intercedes for those of us who belong to Him.”

The heart of the book of Hebrews (chapters 5–9) focuses on Jesus’ high priesthood. His superior priesthood, more than anything else, makes the New Covenant better than the Old. He has done what all the priests together of the old economy did not do and could never have done.

Every high priest is a man chosen to represent other people in their dealings with God. He presents their gifts to God and offers sacrifices for their sins. And he is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to the same weaknesses. That is why he must offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as theirs. And no one can become a high priest simply because he wants such an honor. He must be called by God for this work, just as Aaron was. That is why Christ did not honor himself by assuming he could become High Priest. No, he was chosen by God, who said to him, “You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.” And in another passage God said to him, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. 8Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. And God designated him to be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5:1-10 NLT

The priests under the Old Covenant were bridge builders to God. Men could not come directly into God’s presence, and God therefore appointed certain men to be ushers, as it were, to bring men into His presence. The way to God was opened only as the priests offered sacrifices—day in and day out, year after year—presenting the blood of animals to God. The priests were God’s mediators.

But with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, the need for the Temple and for the Levitical priesthood was ended. There was no longer a requirement for a high priest such as those who succeeded Aaron, or for any merely human priest at all. Jesus was both High Priest and sacrifice, and provided eternally for man an opening into God’s presence. At His crucifixion, the curtain of the Temple was torn in two, exposing the Holy of Holies to anyone who would come to God through the Son. In one perfect act of sacrifice, Jesus Christ accomplished what thousands upon thousands of sacrifices by a multitude of priests could never accomplish. He opened the way to God permanently, so that any human being at any time by faith in Christ might enter into God’s presence.

Praise God for what He has done for us. May you feel the embrace of our loving God. May you know how much He has done to adopt you. May you see there is now nothing to keep you from a beautiful relationship with your Heavenly Father. Blessings on your journey.