March 20, 2019

Never Disappointed

Hebrews 7:23-28

Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.

—  Hebrews 7:26

All of us know what it’s like to be disappointed. And we can never live up to other people’s expectations.

We do well to remember these things in our fellowship in the church. I often describe church as “one beggar telling another beggar where to find food.” Each and every gathering of Christians is meant to increase our fellowship in the name of Jesus and to find unity through his Spirit. We need this gathering of believers because we are fallen, frail, weak human beings.

As our ultimate High Priest, Jesus meets our deepest need. This is wonderful news. In the midst of our losses, poor health, struggles, and deep pains, our Lord and King provides the assurance that our destiny is secure in him forever. In Jesus we will never be disappointed.

As our High Priest, Jesus represents us before the Father in heaven. So we can be assured that Christ is on our side. He knows us, and he knows what we are going through. He sees our lives and is our advocate before God, interceding for us always.

As God calls us to be priests, we can meet the needs of others as well. We do that through being good neighbors, visiting the sick, providing a meal, and being an encourager to everyone we meet. When we share the gospel of salvation with the people around us, we are being Christlike. We are being priests.

Lord, thank you that you never let us down. Help us to lift others up and to encourage all who serve you and your kingdom. Amen.

About the author — Pete Byma

Pete Byma has served as a pastor of congregations in Michigan and in Washington state. Serving now as a pastor in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he is also a consultant/coach for churches experiencing conflict, and he enjoys equipping and establishing people in ministry. He is married to Cheri, and they have four grown children and six grandchildren. Pete is also a registered soccer official and enjoys bicycling.

Let the Today Devotional be your guide in this season of Lent.

Get a special series of daily devotions called "Focus on the Cross" to help you focus on the depth, beauty, and mystery of Christ's death and resurrection.