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Daily Devotions

Hebrews

Hebrews 
Day 
Day 180

"A change of the law..."

Text: Hebrews 7:12

A COMPLEX THEOLOGICAL ARGUMENT

The author of Hebrews knew that he had a very complex task to perform, if he were to succeed in arguing for the establishment of the order of Melchizedek. This was the process that he had to undertake before he could make his case.

1. He would have to establish that the order of Melchizedek existed. He did this by citing the Scriptures (Cf. Genesis 14:19-20).

2. He would have to establish that Abraham honoured Melchizedek as the priest of the Most High God. He did this by noting that Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek (Cf. Genesis 14:20)

3. He would have to establish that the Levitical system was inferior to the order of Melchizedek. He established this by taking note that Levi paid his tithe through Abraham.

4. He would have to establish that the Levitical system was not perfect.

a) This is easily demonstrated as we look at the history of Israel.
b) There were few priests of the caliber of Samuel.
c) The teaching and intercessory roles of the priests were taken by a special breed of servants of God… the prophets!

ONE MORE HURDLE

There was another huge hurdle that the author of Hebrews needed to clear.

“For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is
also a change of the law.”
Hebrews 7:12

1. It was not easy to argue for the changing of the priesthood.

a) The priesthood still existed at the time of writing of Hebrews.
b) They would not easily accept this argument.

2. It was not easy to argue for a change of the law.

a) This was probably even harder.
b) Resistance would come from all fronts (just about).

Nevertheless teaching the truth must be attempted- no matter how challenging the task!