…we see Jesus…
Hebrews 2:9
There’s a lot to be looking at during these abnormal and unusual days. Looking at the television screen, mobile phone for texts, Whatsapp, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Zoom, emails – the list is endless! Seeing faces, seeing scenes of sadness, empty spaces and abandoned places. What we see disorientates us in many ways. Hebrews invites us to take a long, lasting look at Jesus. What we see will not disappoint! The whole of Hebrews gives us a stupendous vision of Jesus. All Supreme and All Sufficient. In the context surrounding these verses we see Jesus as our:
Perfect Man
All other humans have failed in their God given stewardship of life and creation. The crown and glory of being in his image and likeness has fallen in disgrace. A shattered broken humanity is visible all around. Our perfections and abilities are now hugely marred and severely limited by the restrictions of our fallen nature. But the good news is a perfect man who is also perfect God has come to be our perfect representative. He lives a life of real obedience we could not live. He shares our nature, faces temptation and suffering but overcomes by his death as our atoning sacrifice. So see Jesus in the perfection of his person in the harmony of two natures unmixed, unblemished.
Perfect Priest
The Old Testament priest was the middle man mediator between a holy God and a sinful people. Then a high priest officiated over all the temple sacrifices and offerings. They came and went as death naturally terminated their period of office. One day the temple would be destroyed and priesthood terminated. The removal of the usual visible symbols brought change and disorientation. But there was One who would remain the same in His priestly office. His final offering and once and for all sacrifice is eternally efficient. So “before the throne of God above” I have a great high priest who ever lives to make intercession for me. A few weeks ago the pope informed the catholic faithful that as you may not find a priest I say you may go direct to God! Let’s see Jesus as our great High Priest.
Perfect King
Jesus now wears the crown and glory of honour as the victorious conquering author and pioneer of salvation. His splendour and majesty as reigning King of his people means his reign and rule are secure. We as his brothers and sisters get to share in this salvation and promised destination of glory. He declares his word to us and leads us in praise and worship. There is no part of the journey where he will leave us to be alone. He will accompany us every step of the way. We are promised that the setbacks and suffering and opposition will work for our good. Lets keep seeing, in the complex and often confusing times we live, our perfect King.
Meirion Thomas, Malpas Road