Read through the Bible in 2 years: Psalm 125; Hebrews 5
For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. … And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”
Hebrews 5:1, 4-5 ESV
I love doing little word studies, how about you? If so, then today’s your lucky day. 😃 If not, then I hope today’s study will win you over! 😂
I usually like to study the original Greek or Hebrew words, but today I decided to study the English word “appointed.” A – point. Point. Point. Point. It makes me think of when I was in elementary school and my classmates would select two captains to pick teams for a game like kickball or Red Rover. One after another they’d point at John, then Shaun, Jenny, Katie, Mike, Kevin, Chrissy and on it went until finally my name was called. Last. 🤷 What can you do? I’m no good at kickball. But, anyway …. back to “appointed.”
If you’d like to read more about my word study on “appointed,” please check my 2023 version of today’s post.
I think this word jumped out at me because it’s in my life verse, 1 Timothy 1:12-14. The persecutor-of-Christians-turned-apostle-Paul wrote,
“I thank him who has given me strength,
1 Timothy 1:12-14 ESV
Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful,
appointing me to his service,
though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor,
and insolent opponent.
But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
Jesus had appointed Paul to serve Him, even though he’d once been a blasphemer, persecutor, and opponent of the gospel. And Jesus has appointed me to His service. The King of kings chose me to be on His team. He called my name. What an honor and privilege. This is way, way better than kickball!
In Hebrews 5, we see that a high priest could not take this honor for himself, he had to be appointed. Likewise, Jesus Christ Himself was appointed by His Father to be made the eternal high priest. He did not exalt Himself. He was submissive and humble before God the Father.
And the living word pierced my heart, reminding me of all the times I’m trying to appoint myself for something, when I’m trying to be my own captain, as well as everyone else’s, rather than allowing the Lord to direct my steps. I’m so thankful that Jehovah God rules my life, that He controls my fate and pilots my ship. I am so incredibly grateful that I am not the captain of my own destiny for I know that I would lead myself astray like the foolish sheep that I am.
Oh, Heavenly Father, thank You for the comfort it is to know that You are on Your throne. When things in our world and in our lives seem out of control, You are still very much in control. Your Word says that it has been appointed for man to die once and after that comes judgment. I pray that You would draw each person reading these words into Your kingdom. Open their eyes, Lord, and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. It is in the name of Jesus that we can pray boldly and with confidence. Amen. (Scripture references: Hebrews 9:27, Acts 26:18)
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