Tag: Romans 8:34
The Crowning of the High Priest
Scripture reading for September 28: Zechariah 5-6
Our goal during these devotions on God’s Word is to see Jesus Christ in every book of the Bible. Zechariah, other than Isaiah, has more references to the coming of Jesus and His ministry than any other prophet. In today’s reading we have more of the eight visions that God gave Zechariah to encourage the workers who were rebuilding the temple and city of Jerusalem. Eight is the number of ‘new beginnings’.
Zechariah had already mentioned the ‘Branch’ Who was symbolized by Joshua, the High Priest. This ‘Branch’ would come and be fully obedient to God and take away the sins of the nation in a single day. (Zechariah 3:8-9) The High Priest symbolically did this on the Day of Atonement each year. He went behind the veil of the Holy of Holies and sprinkled the blood of a lamb on the mercy seat. His offering of blood was for the sins of the nation. (Leviticus 16:15-17)
In today’s reading, Zechariah saw another vision of powerful horses going throughout the earth. (Zechariah 6:1-6) One of the horses went toward the North and reported rest being brought to God’s Spirit. Zechariah then was told to take silver and gold from the returned exiles, make a crown, and set it on the head of Joshua, the High Priest. He was to say to him: “Here is the Man Whose Name is Branch, and He will branch out from His place and build the temple of the Lord. It is He Who will build the temple of the Lord, and He will be clothed with majesty and will sit on His throne. And He will be a Priest on His throne and there will be harmony between the two.” (Zechariah 6:12-13)
As we reflect on this vision in light of the life and current ministry of Jesus Christ, we see that the ‘Branch’ is again a picture of Jesus Christ Who was and is both Priest and King! He is our “High Priest” before God, there interceding for us. (Romans 8:34) He is the “King of Kings” Who is coming in power to claim His bride, the church, and punish His enemies. (Revelation 19:11-16)
We are encouraged by these ancient visions today because of the revelation of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. Jesus, our Priest and King, is praying for us today. He has given us the Holy Spirit and we have overcoming power to share with the lost world the good news of His coming again. We are watching for His return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Our faith and faithfulness will crown Him when He comes! (Revelation 4:9-11)
Thankful for Atonement!
Scripture reading for February 10th: Numbers 15-19
Key Scriptures: Numbers 16:46-48 “Then Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer and put incense in it, along with fire from the altar, and hurry to the assembly to make atonement for them. Wrath has come out from the Lord; the plague has started.” So Aaron did as Moses said, and ran into the midst of the assembly. The plague had already started among the people, but Aaron offered incense and made atonement for them. He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped.”
Once again the Israelites were in danger of death because of rebellion and speaking against God’s leadership. Moses and Aaron sought God’s mercy by falling on their faces. Then Moses instructed Aaron to intercede with incense and coals from the altar. When he obeyed, the plague of death was stopped! He literally stood between the living and the dead.
Thanksgiving: We are thankful for a High Priest who offered Himself for our sins and was nailed to a cross to stop the plague of sin that was sweeping us away! “Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus who died–more than that, who was raised to life–is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” (Romans 8:34)