Day 1: Set Apart
In the Old Testament, the position of Priesthood was reserved to a small, select group of people. Their role was to represent the people to God, as well as to oversee the sacrifices the people brought to God.
While the sacrificial system used in those ancient times may seem strange to us, to them, it made sense that there would be a small group of Priests who oversaw the requirements and spoke to God on their behalf. All in all, the concept of Priesthood could be understood in this way: Priests were set apart. Their commitment was intense, their lifestyles were different, and the regulations they needed to follow were rigorous. In other words, they were a special group of people.
But in the New Testament, the author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus completely changed how we should view the Priesthood. It tells us that Jesus now speaks to God on our behalf. That He has taken on the role of High Priest. That He does not need to offer sacrifices every day for the people, because He Himself was the final sacrifice. Even more so, it tells us that we have been set apart by placing our faith in Him. As you read today, consider this: What is the first thought that comes to mind when you hear that you have been ‘set apart?’
READING:
HEBREWS 7:23-28, EPHESIANS 2:10
What is the first thought that comes to mind when you hear that you have been ‘set apart?’
Have you ever thought that the Christian life isn’t about making sacrifices, but is simply about becoming the person God has created you to be?
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
Read: Genesis 48-49
Reflect: What did you H.E.A.R. from God today? HEAR Bible Study Method
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I confess that while it’s sometimes challenging to remember that You have called me Your child, Your friend, and a saint, it can be more difficult to remember that You see me as a royal priest. Today, I bring to You my worries, hurts, anxieties, fears, and every other inadequacy that weighs me down. Instead of holding onto the things that only bring darkness into my life, I invite You to reveal to me at least one answer to the questions: Who is God inviting me to be, and what are some healthy practices I can put into place in my journey to become that person? I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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