Thanksgiving:
- Jenn is thankful for God's softening of her friend's heart when she invited her to join her for church. Though she didn't accept this time, we hope she will in the near future.
- Enery is thankful that the due date for his paper has been postponed! He will work diligently so that the quality of the paper will reflect this extra time he has been gifted.
- Carol is thankful for being able to reconnect with her cousins.
- Jane is thankful for a new job!
- Jason is hoping to transfer to USC at the end of this school year so he'll need much grace and guidance to do well in his pre-calc class this quarter and his spring-quarter classes.
- Enery is surrounded by people who are falling ill at school. Pray that he won't get ill and for the physical well-bring of those around him.
- Carol and Jenn are also looking to transfer from their respective colleges. Carol will need diligence and grace to finish strong in her calculus class. Jenn needs to find an appropriate internship in order to be eligible to apply for culinary school in New York. Pray that that God will provide direction in these important decisions in their lives and that they would have the courage to obey His will.
- Please keep me (Jane) accountable as I begin my new job. I know I need to continue to be thankful and joyful for this gift in the light of a full time work schedule and unfamiliar responsibilities, so if you catch me complaining, please remind me to be thankful! Pray that God will continue to show me joy in this new workplace as well.
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Bible Study: Hebrews 7-8
Priests
- Aaron (Moses' brother) was the first priest.
- The descendants of Levi (one of the sons of Israel) were chosen to be the tribe of priests in the nation of Israel. They were chosen to care for the temple as Israel traveled and settled in the promise land.
- The priests were regularly presented offerings brought to them by the people and once a year, entered in the holy of holy of the temple to offer sacrifices for himself and for the people.
7:1-10 -- Melchizedek
Background: Genesis 14:17-24
- Melchizedek's priesthood is greater than that of the Levites because through Abraham, the Levites tithed to Melchizedek. (Hebrews 7:7)
7:11-28 -- The insufficiency of the Levite priesthood vs. the priesthood of Jesus
- Levite priests became priests solely because of their heritage. Jesus descended from the tribe of Judah.
- Levite priests were limited in time and mortality. Jesus is a priest FOREVER according to an oath from God. (Psalm 110:4)
- "after the order of Melchizedek" - Jesus does not follow the prototype of the Levite priest but the order of Melchizedek: a king and priest, without genealogy. Melchizedek actually only resembled the Son of God (Hebrews 7:3). Melchizedek did indeed have a genealogy but it is not recorded in the Scriptures. Jesus did not have a complete genealogy in that he descended directly from God.
Application: On what/whom do you rely to be your middleman in your relationship with God? Seek to know God first-hand!
8:1 - 8:13 -- The old covenant vs. the new covenant
- The old covenant was based on obedience to God's law. The relationship between God and his people was based on his Commandments and their willingness to obey them. The Levite priesthood was symbolic of this.
- The new covenant is embodied in Hebrews 8:10-12. God's mercy and grace is not dependent on our ability to follow His commandments but based solely on the grace of Jesus and his work on the Christ.
Application: Is the new covenant clear to you? How do you ensure that God's laws are in your mind and heart? Read the Scripture! If you need help getting started, don't be afraid to ask!
Please join us next week as we continue our study in Hebrews 9 - 10:31!
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