If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?
Hebrews 7:11
If you were to ask me for an official copy of Chet’s Rules for Life, there’s one rule that I’ve come to depend on. It’s always, always, always served me well. It’s never disappointed me. It’s saved us from embarrassment. It’s saved us from paying for things we didn’t buy. It’s saved us from penalties and extra fees that we didn’t deserve. So, what’s this magical rule?
It’s these three simple words. “Always have-a backup.” When it comes to planning or doing just about anything, it always involves some kind of backup plan. There’s very little that I do without having some kind of backup plan in my pocket. Here’s a short list of just some of my backup plans and thinking.
When we drive anywhere more than 30 minutes away, I always charge the car before leaving. I also map out where multiple charging stations are in case we need some power to get home.
Even though I usually wake up very early on my own, I set not one but two alarms whenever we need to get up early.
When I pack for a trip, there are certain items that I always carry a backup for. Underwear is at the top of this list closely followed by reading glasses.
Every Monday morning, I backup all my computer files onto a device that sits on my desk.
We installed a whole house generator to automatically kick-in when we lose power. And if that weren’t enough, I also have three large computer battery backup units that protect our internet, computers, and television.
Yes, some of you are seriously thinking about me and my mental stability. I get it. But backups are a big part of my life. But they’re also a big part of our culture and stories. Remember in Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back, Obi Wan says that Luke was their last hope. Yoda replies, “No. There is another[1].” The backup plan is revealed, but we had to wait to learn that Princess Leia was his sister.
God’s also in the backup business. And that’s exactly what the writer is telling the Hebrews. God’s plan started with priests and laws to bring us back to himself. And that journey back to God meant that we’d be fully restored to perfection. After all, that’s how he made Adam and Eve. When God says that he made them in our image[2], part of that meant perfect.
But laws can’t control the words, thoughts, actions, or attitudes of people. Laws can’t bring out the best in us. And if the sacrifices that the priests made for sins could really forgive, then we wouldn’t do them ever again.
Think about it this way. Laws and priests were not part of creation. After sin entered the world, they were given by God with the purpose of bringing us back to him. They not only failed, they failed in every way imaginable. Why? Because laws and priests couldn’t really remove sin from inside us. They were too weak to change us[3].
So, God sent another kind of priest. One who didn’t depend on the law or which family they were born into. This other kind of priest was going to be like Melchizedek, someone who was above the rules and regulations of the law.
This is exactly where Jesus comes in. He wasn’t part of the normal priesthood. He wasn’t related to Aaron or in the family of any other priest. But from the beginning, Jesus acted just like a priest. He spoke God’s word and he forgave sins[4].
For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.
1 Timothy 2:5,6
It doesn’t get any clearer than this. Jesus comes in and brings us back together with God. He pays the one-time price for all sins. There’s nothing left to pay. Our eternal invoice that once showed how much we owed is now nailed to the cross and has “Paid in full” stamped on it[5]. And the payment was with the blood of Christ[6].
Before Jesus, there was a need for another. No matter how good they might be, laws and priests just couldn’t get the job done. They could not change our hearts. But now that Jesus came and paid for all sin, sacrifices for sin are a thing of the past, there’s no need for another. We can walk habitually in newness of life[7]. Stuff coming from the outside really can’t control us. I can’t speak for anyone else, but living a new life that’s motivated by God’s loving power coming from inside is just about the best possible news of all time. We don’t need another after Jesus. He’s all we need.
Noodling Questions
Describe your backup plans for life.
When our spiritual leaders fail, why is it so painful?
How does “stuff” from this life knock you off course?
[2] Genesis 1:26,26
[3] Romans 8:3,4
[4] Luke 5:20, 7:48, 23:43
[5] Colossians 2:13,14
[6] 1 Peter 1:18,19
[7] Romans 6:4 AMP
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