The Eternal Priest – a Hebrews 7 Story
Rabbi Aaron was a well-respected and learned man in the Jewish community. For years, he dedicated his life to studying the Torah and serving as a priest in the synagogue. Despite his many accomplishments, he felt something was missing. He longed for a deeper connection to God and a greater understanding of his faith.
One day, Rabbi Aaron received an unexpected visitor. A man named Melchizedek, who claimed to be a high priest of the Most High God, approached him. Melchizedek spoke with great authority and shared insights into the Scriptures that Rabbi Aaron had never considered before. The two men spent hours discussing theology and sharing their experiences of God.
As the conversation continued, Rabbi Aaron became increasingly convinced that Melchizedek was more than just a man. His wisdom and knowledge seemed to come from a divine source, and his presence filled the room with a sense of peace and holiness.
Melchizedek told Rabbi Aaron that he was a priest forever, not just for a limited time like the earthly priests. He explained that he had no beginning or end, and that he would always be able to intercede on behalf of those who approached God through him.
Rabbi Aaron was amazed by this revelation. He had always believed that the role of a priest was temporary, and that no one could serve in that capacity forever. But Melchizedek’s words opened up a whole new understanding of what it meant to be a priest.
As the conversation drew to a close, Melchizedek blessed Rabbi Aaron and encouraged him to continue seeking God’s will for his life. He promised that if he remained faithful, he too could experience the eternal priesthood that Melchizedek had.
Years later, Rabbi Aaron reflected on that encounter with Melchizedek. He had encountered many wise and holy people in his life, but none had left such a lasting impression on him as Melchizedek had. He realized that the encounter had been a divine appointment, and that God had used Melchizedek to reveal a deeper truth about the nature of priesthood.
Hebrews 7:24-25 says, "But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." This verse reminds us that Jesus, like Melchizedek, is a priest forever. He is able to save us completely and intercede on our behalf because he is always alive and present with us. This truth is a source of comfort and hope for all who seek to know God more deeply.