Verses 1-4, “For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins. And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.” Priests were appointed by God to take care of the things of God. They were not elected by man through popular vote or board decisions. Their duties included offering sacrifices for the sins of the people, but they also had to offer sacrifices for their own sin first. Being reminded that they too were sinners allowed them to have compassion on those who were going astray. Men who tried to take this honor upon themselves learned quickly that God was the decider...remember what happened to Korah when he rebelled against his God appointed spiritual authority.
Jesus also did not glorify Himself in order to become High Priest, but actually suffered greatly, learning obedience to the Father. Verses 9-11, “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest 'according to the order of Melchizedek,' of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.” We too can learn obedience through the things we suffer, IF we are willing to submit to God's will. James 1:2-4, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” If you resist the correction of the Lord, however, you will become bitter and defiled. You will no longer be able to hear the truth, but rather yield to demonic wisdom that brings confusion. Not only will you lose the peace of God, but you will eventually fall short of the grace of God. He is only the author of salvation for those who obey!
Jesus' prayer in the garden indicates that although His death on the cross was not His will, He was willing to lay His will aside and completely submit to the Father. Luke 22:41-43, “And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, 'Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.' Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.” Following the example of Jesus, we need to lay aside our will, regardless of what it costs us. No matter how difficult obedience to Him may seem (which is why it is a sacrifice), we look to Him and obey in faith. Notice how God sent Jesus strength in His time of need...as He will do for us when we stop making excuses and walk out our faith in obedience. We never have to walk through trials alone. I Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
Verses 12-14, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” We are expected to grow in knowledge and wisdom, maturing in the Lord, but it requires us to exercise our faith...not just talk about it. It is shameful to act like an infant when you are an adult. Needing to be taught the basic principles over and over again should bring to doubt where your faith really is, which is why we examine ourselves. Running laps in the wilderness should not be appealing to us, nor become our way of life. Instead we should be able to teach others by our example of obedience to Christ. Whether we like it or not, others watch us, especially our unsaved family, just waiting for hypocrisy in our actions so they can discount our faith and blaspheme the Lord. Do not take part in this!
If we do suffer, let it be for Christ, and not the consequences of our own stubbornness and sin. 1 Peter 4:14-17, “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?” If you are suffering and do not have the peace of God, check yourself to be sure that you are walking faithfully. Complaining and acting like a victim is a good indication that your heart is not right. When you have a clear conscience before God, you will still suffer; but you will do so with His peace and still be able to rejoice. That is the peace that surpasses all understanding...the peace that will cause others to seek God!
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