Hebrews 7:17

A PRIEST FOR EVER

‘Thou art a Priest for ever.’

Hebrews 7:17

This verse refers to the Lord Jesus Christ. It is quoted from Psalms 110:4. Indeed, with two exceptions (2 Samuel 7:14; Isaiah 8:17), all the texts quoted in this Epistle to set forth the Person and work of the Saviour are taken from the Psalter.

I. Jesus is a great Priest (Hebrews 4:14).—All power is His in heaven and in earth. There is no priest like Christ.

II. Jesus is a sympathising Priest (Hebrews 4:15).—But Jesus pities the wants and woes of His people. There is no Priest like Christ.

III. Jesus is a merciful and faithful Priest (Hebrews 2:17).—‘Merciful,’ therefore full of tenderness and love; and ‘faithful’; that is, One Who can be trusted without fail. There is no priest like Christ.

IV. Jesus is an unchanging Priest (Hebrews 7:23).—He has an unchangeable priesthood; or, as the margin reads it, a priesthood ‘which passeth not from one to another.’

All this is very full of comfort to God’s children.

Rev. F. Harper.

Illustration

‘Mr. Justice Lush came into Westminster Hall one day, and seeing a brother serjeant, went to him and found him weeping. Judge Lush said, “I am afraid you have heard some bad news.” His friend answered, “I am thankful to see you; come and talk to me.” He went on, “I always thought I should have to turn to God; I always meant to beseech God to have mercy upon me; but, brother Lush, it has just come over me in court, and I never thought of it before, that instead of my having to beseech God, God has been for fifty-eight years beseeching me. Do you remember the words? They have broken me down: ‘As though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” ’