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Daily Devotions

Hebrews

Hebrews 
Day 
Day 197

"Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices..."

Text: Hebrews 8:3

THE MINISTRY OF THE EARTHLY HIGH PRIEST

We are given a glimpse of one of the many functions of the earthly high priest in the following text.

“For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts
and sacrifices…”
Hebrews 8:3a

The book of Malachi sheds much light on the work of the priests (these assisted the High Priest in his duties). Four aspects may be highlighted:-

1. They were to receive the offerings of the people on behalf of the Lord (Cf. Malachi 1:10).

2. They were to entreat God’s favour on behalf of the people (Cf. Malachi 1:9).

3. They were to guard and promote the great name of God (Cf. Malachi 1:11, 14).

4. They were meant to be messengers of the Lord (Cf. Malachi 2:7).

The Book of Malachi however noted the utter failure of the Levitical priesthood! The entire priesthood was severely rebuked by the Lord!

OTHER ASPECTS OF THE EARTHLY PRIESTLY MINISTRY

What about the ministry of Jesus as High Priest? The following text offers significant insight as to His ministry.

“Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something
to offer. For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest,
since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law;
who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things,
as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make
the tabernacle. For He said, ‘See that you make all things
according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.'”
Hebrews 8:3b-5

1. The earthly tabernacle was only a “copy and shadow of the heavenly things”.

2. The earthly tabernacle was made according to the Divine pattern shown to Moses.

3. The validity of the Levitical priesthood-

a) There is no question about the validity of this priesthood.
b) The priesthood plays an important role in teaching the children of Israel about the worship of God.