How are we able to approach God with great confidence? Because Jesus stands in our place as intercessor. We do not need to go through a priest or through the Virgin Mary, we have a direct connection into the Holy of Holies. It is because of this direct connection that we can have such confidence to approach God. Have you ever been in a situation where your prayer was answered immediately? It may have been an impending auto accident which involved a quick prayer for safety and an immediate answer to that prayer. Some prayer answers may have involved an entire church or community focused on a sick child. After an extended prayer vigil the child’s health begins to improve. Whatever the situation, and whatever the outcome, we know that God is there for us and will provide His solution in His time frame.
Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.
Hebrews 5:1-3
Let’s discuss the High Priest. What do you know about this highest “office?”
- He was from the lineage of Aaron
- He could only marry an Israelite woman
- He could not come into contact with a dead body, even those of his family
- He could not appear disheveled or tear his garments, even as a sign of mourning
Do you notice the recurrence of “HE” in this list? It is, for the most part, true that women were not seen in leadership during Old Testament times. How many Old Testament women can you name that were in leadership positions?
The one woman that stands out as prominently in my mind is Deborah. I recall her as a leader in war, but she was also a prophetess and Judge. Huldah was a prophetess consulted by King Josiah after discovering the Book of the Law. I believe the first scripturally recognized woman was Miriam. She was the sister of Moses and her main leadership was involved with leading the women in song. In reading of her involvement with Moses and Aaron, you get the idea that she was quite involved with spiritual leadership of the people.
