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Today’s reading is Hebrews 7:1-8:13.

Tim LaHaye, Jack Van Impe, Hal Lindsey, and others would have us believe we are waiting for the Rapture, a time when Jesus will take away the saved and leave the lost on earth. There will follow 7 years of tribulation. Then Jesus will establish His kingdom on earth, reigning as king in Jerusalem and serving as high priest in the rebuilt temple.

I can’t help but notice that Hebrews 8:4 says if Jesus were on earth, He wouldn’t be priest at all. The whole point of this passage is Jesus is our high priest right now. We aren’t waiting for some day when He will be on earth. He is high priest right now sitting at the right hand of God.

Additionally, the Hebrew writer demonstrates we aren’t waiting for Jesus to become king. He is king right now. This whole section starts by relating Jesus to Melchizedek. Did you see Hebrews 7:1-2? Melchizedek was not merely king of a place, he was “king of righteousness” and “king of peace.” Jesus, a high priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:15-17), is the true king of righteousness and peace. More than that, however, Hebrews 8:1-2 says, “We have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.” Where is Jesus seated? At the right hand of the throne of God. This is no small statement. This is a fulfillment of prophecy. Psalm 110 says, “The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’” Interestingly, that is the same psalm where God prophesies the priest according to Melchizedek.

Here is the crux of the matter. We aren’t awaiting a time when Jesus will become high priest and king. He is now high priest and king. We are not waiting for Him to establish His kingdom. It is already established. There will be no Rapture with a second chance. When Jesus returns all chances will be over. The question is are we in the kingdom right now? Are we submitting to Jesus as high priest right now? Don’t wait.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

P.S. What did you get out of today’s reading?