November 10, 2006 - Jeremiah 48-49 and Hebrews 7

God consistently punishes sin. We see that clearly in these two chapters of Jeremiah, in which He pronounces punishment on these countries and cities. However, we need to look closely and understand the nature of sin. Sin is not just worshiping idols and doing the wrong things. Sin is the failure to do the right thing. It is the failure to act when God says to act. Look at Jeremiah 48:10. A person who does God's work in a deceitful way is cursed as is the one who fails to wield the sword when God commands it. Some people think that as long as they are trying to do God's work, it doesn't matter how they do it. That is very wrong. God wants His will do in a just and holy way. Also, some people feel that if they disagree with God's direction to act, they have the option to disobey. That is also very wrong. He is Lord. We are to do His will in His way and not to refrain when He clearly tells us to act.

Hebrews 7 assures us that Jesus is the perfect High Priest of the New Covenant. He is according to the order of Melchizadek instead the tribe of Levi, but even that makes Him superior to the priest of the Old Covenant. Now, we have a high priest, who never sleeps and never sins. He is always praying for us and watching out for us. Jesus died and rose again to secure our salvation. Now, He is in heaven praying for us and sustaining us until we join Him there. God's wisdom is so wonderful, isn't it? He has thought of everything. Let's trust His ways and His will.

Tomorrow, I intend to read Jeremiah 50 and Hebrews 8.