Our High Priest Forever

Why did Jesus come into the world? What is the Lord accomplishing by living, dying, and rising again? The answer is of absolute cosmic importance to you and me.

In World War 1, the two opposing armies would dig in and conduct what was then called “trench warfare.” The land between the two armies entrenched in the fight was called “no man’s land” because the other side would shoot anybody who tried to attack!

Not a pleasant place to be. It’s a dangerous place to be! No wonder they called it “no man’s land.”

But recently, after our regular Wednesday night service, I was teaching about the unique place the priest occupies during the Divine Liturgy. He stands with the people as we face the altar together, AND he stands facing the people as he communicates God’s Good News to them. Sometimes, it feels like a “no man’s land” to be both a participant and a leader in the work of worship in the church.

Yet, humans need this “both/and” ministry of the priesthood because we are all part of the Royal Priesthood of believers. We are all called to stand before God and offer God to others in our lives through faithful living out of a purposeful Orthodoxy.

As usual, Normal Orthodoxy gives us a concrete and visible example of this profoundly spiritual and practical wisdom.

Look at our lesson today in Hebrews 7:26-28; 8:1-2: