Pentecost 23B :: Reformation

O magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt God's name forever.
Psalm 34:3
Reformation 507

Most years I've written about Reformation for the last Sunday of October. This year I'm continuing Hebrews, so here's a trio of Reformation Sunday reflections from previous years that celebrate God's grace and freedom in Jesus Christ. The readings are the same every year, but some pastors sometimes apply the current week after Pentecost readings to Reformation, which usually works well.

• Reformation 500 :: 2017

• Reformation 2020–Therefore we will not fear

• Reformation 2021–Be still and know that I am God

Hebrews 7:23-28

²³ Furthermore, the former priests were many in number because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, ²⁴ but he holds his priesthood permanently because he continues forever. ²⁵ Consequently, he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

²⁶ For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. ²⁷ Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself. ²⁸ For the law appoints as high priests humans, who are subject to weakness, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

Hebrews, week 4 of 7

As I previously mentioned, because I'm not very familiar with Hebrews I decided blogging about it all seven weeks would be a good learning experience. This week I finally read it in one sitting, although that was wasn't quite my first time. In a previous life we read through Hebrews without commentary or interpretation for our weekly staff devotions. In addition, the Monday evening women's bible study I hosted for a few years (the guys met at someone else's place and we got together whenever anyone had a birthday) at least began a discussion of the book. I remember how interesting it was to discover many well-known biblical quotes in Hebrews.

The homily by a still unidentified author was intended for Jewish Christian either in nearby diaspora or scattered far to the known ends of the earth. I've already mentioned Hebrews is formally and intensely theological, but as I kept reading it struck me how very Greek, systematic, and philosophical it was—rather than being earthbound and Hebraic.


This Week's Passage

Last week, this week, and the next two describe Jesus' high priestly identity in great detail.

Earlier weeks have been about typical requirements and duties for the high priest as mediator between earth and heaven, along with ways Jesus didn't meet some of those in human terms, and the manner in which he met and exceeded them in divine terms.

We learned the human high priest needed to be from the tribe of Levi and descended from Moses' brother Aaron. We heard about the high priest entering the inner tent of the temple once a year to make offerings for his own sins and the transgressions of the community.

The author reminds us Jesus was from the tribe of Judah; Jesus had no need to make offerings one after another,,because the quality of his offering – himself– was sufficient to atone for all the sins of all humanity.

But like conventional high priests, Jesus brought qualities of obedience, compassion, and sympathy.

In all this Jesus goes way far back in the journey of God's people to the book of Genesis and a high priest named Melchizedek, who provides a large part of the template for Jesus' unique high priestly role.

This week emphasizes how human high priests always ended up dying, so they always needed to be replaced, but because Jesus' priesthood is permanent and forever, he thus can save everyone forever. In addition, Jesus' has splendid characteristics of being holy, blameless, undefiled separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens—that we can interpret as authority because of his ascension that was necessary to finish the work of redemption.

Pentecost 22B

Where were you
when the morning stars sang together
and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?
Job 38:7

Hebrews 5:1-10

¹ Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. ² He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness, ³ and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. ⁴ And one does not presume to take this honor but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

⁵ So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest but was appointed by the one who said to him,

"You are my Son; today I have begotten you";

⁶ as he says also in another place,

"You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek."

⁷ In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. ⁸ Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered, ⁹ and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, ¹⁰ having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

Priests of the Old Covenant

• Here's an article from the Vatican about Priests of the Old Covenant.


Hebrews, Week 3 of 7

The author of Hebrews takes far more than this week's ten verses to talk about (remember, this was a sermon or homily rather than a letter in the traditions of Paul or Peter) Jesus as high priest. Hebrews is a long book, and today's scripture is only the beginning. It doesn't include many of the homilist's explanations, so please bear with me. Hebrews is a long book, and I'd love to find a reasonably detailed chapter by chapter study written in plain English and gather a few interested people to dive into it together.


Priest… Prophet, King/Sovereign

Scripture and hymnody often reference Jesus Christ's trifold office or ministry of Priest, Prophet, and Ruler or King. Jesus filled filled these Old Testament roles to exemplary perfection. A priest mediates – acts as a go-between, a broker – between heaven and earth; a prophet articulates God's heart in speech (sometimes with symbolic actions) and speaks truth to power; a ruler or sovereign stewards people, creation, and institutions.

Today's passage refers to the Levitical priesthood in the lineage of Moses' brother, Aaron (5:4). Although Jesus was not a Levitical priest, he met qualifications of (5:2) compassion and understanding; plus, (5:4) God called and appointed Jesus. Being from the tribe of Judah, he didn't qualify as a priest in human terms, but (5:6) Jesus was a priest in the much older tradition of Melchizedek.

Despite priests and high priests being central to the Jerusalem temple, as one commentator observed, Hebrews "looks away from the temple. back to the exodus—to the tabernacle in the wilderness." Then it glances further back, to Abraham, to the patriarchs and matriarchs. And then? Further into history to Abram, with Melchizedek, whose name means King (Melech) of righteousness (Zadok, Tzadek…).

Genesis 14:18-19

And King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine;
he was priest of God Most High.
He blessed Abram and said,
"Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
maker of heaven and earth…"


Law and Gospel

As we learn about Jesus Christ's unique identity as the ultimate high priest, the Jerusalem high priest's role and function on the Day of Atonement becomes central. When he entered the Holy of Holies once every year, the high priest's sacrifice atoned for the peoples' sins and for his own. A high priest repeated that action every year.

Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension never needs to be repeated. It literally has been finished, "once for all." Late pastor and theologian James Nestingen used to speak of Jesus "delivering the goods" of absolution and forgiveness. The liberation, freedom, and joy of that new morning is complete.


Vocabulary

The author of Hebrews uses the word the gospels use for High Priest / Chief Priest; it indicates historical and functional continuity between the Levitical priesthood and Jesus. The New Testament talks about deacons, priests, and elders we recognize as functions or roles an individual is called to, usually seriously prepared to do with specific education and training, then consecrated or ordained ("ordered") into.

In Leviticus 8 we read about the ordination of Moses' brother Aaron. In Acts 6 we hear about diakonal functions of service and distribution with the world-facing class of deacons. Acts 14 describes ordinations of elders or presbyters. In the English language, the words priest and presbyter come from the same root.

Pentecost 21B

But thou art holy, O thou
that inhabitest the praises
of Israel.
Psalm 22:3

Hebrews 4:12-16

¹² Indeed, the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ¹³ And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.

¹⁴ Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested [or tempted] as we are, yet without sin.

¹⁶ Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews, Week 2 of 7

As I mentioned last week, I plan to blog the second reading from Hebrews for all seven weeks, though I haven't looked ahead thoroughly and I could change my mind.

Today's passage is a study in law and gospel that's close to a ready-made sermon.


Hebrews 4:12-13

4:12 The living and active word of God here is more God's dynamic proclamation and revelation than it is the written scriptures. Don't we all fear exposure? We can't hide! God's word is like a sharp knife that reveals everything, and we've discovered it does some mending and rearranging, too. In any case, this doesn't sound like a cursory dusting off.

4:13 "God to whom we must render an account." Logos is the word for account, but this is not the preexistent Word that John's gospel identifies with the Christ of God. It's more financial in terms of what you owe God and others—like your car note.


Hebrews 4:14-15

Jesus was from the tribe of Judah; Levites were the priestly tribe, so Jesus' inheritance didn't qualify him for earthly priesthood. Passing through the heavens with his resurrection and ascension qualifies Jesus to serve as high priest.

Related to Jesus' sympathy (the Greek word is sympathize; a couple of translations say "feelings") that resonate with us, as mediators between earth and heaven, Jewish high priests mostly offered God gifts and sacrifices. Compassionate pastoral care wasn't part of their job description.


Hebrews 4:16

After explaining that Jesus as high priest, as mediator between heaven and earth in his resurrection and ascension, knows us and sympathizes – resonates! – with us, Hebrews 4:16 advises us to "approach the throne of grace with boldness in order to receive mercy."

Exodus 25 instructs, "you shall make a cover of pure gold; two cubits and a half shall be its length and a cubit and a half its width." (verse 17) and continues, "there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat... verse 22

Scholars who know Hebrew explain the root of kapporet that Martin Luther translated as Gnadenstuhl or "mercy seat" is a place of covering that logically would extend from the physical gold covering of the ark to covering for sin, made especially clear as every year they sprinkled blood on it.

It's only a slight exaggeration to say Luther perceived Jesus Christ in [almost] every passage in the Hebrew Bible. For Luther the Gnadenstuhl, the definitive mercy seat, the place of grace, was the cross of Jesus Christ.

Pentecost 20B

Hebrews 1:1-12

¹ Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, ² but in these last days God has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. ³ He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word.

When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, ⁴ having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

⁵ Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. ⁶ But someone has testified somewhere,

"What are human beings that you are mindful of them,
or or the son of man, that you care for him?

⁷ "You have made them for a little while lower than the angels;
you have crowned them with glory and honor,

⁸ "subjecting all things under their feet."

Now in subjecting all things to them, God left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them, ⁹ but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

¹⁰ It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. ¹¹ For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, ¹² saying,

"I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters,
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you."

Hebrews

Although bibles call it "The Epistle to the Hebrews," scholars believe this book addressed to Jewish Christians either nearby or in widely scattered diaspora originally was a sermon intended to be proclaimed aloud, and not a letter in the traditions of the apostle Paul and others. The person who wrote it remains unknown; no one has been able to make a reasonable educated or random guess.

This Sunday begins seven weeks of Hebrews as the second reading. When Easter is early in Mark's lectionary year B as it was last spring, we'll hear from Hebrews all seven Sundays prior to Reign of Christ, the final Sunday of the Christian year. If Easter happens late, we'll hear only three or four readings from Hebrews.

The header is my interpretation of Hebrews 1:2. The original was a large banner in oil pastel on butcher paper we hung in the sanctuary and I almost definitely have a picture of the full color original somewhere. I'm going to try to write about Hebrews all seven weeks; the book is dense and complex and I'm only marginally familiar with it, so I want to learn more.

Throughout its thirteen chapters, Hebrews is extremely theological. With countless references to Old Testament history and ceremonial observances, it articulates Jesus' position as continuation and fulfillment of God's revelatory presence and action. The book's poetic opening sums up Jesus' essence, role, purpose, and persona; the entire letter consistently reminds us Jesus Christ is both fully divine and fully human, with refrains of "like God" and "like us."

Hebrew's explicit insistence on both natures of Jesus Christ looks forward to the Council of Chalcedon that in the year 451 described Jesus "…in two natures, without confusion, without change, without division, without separation…" Most denominations and church bodies affirm the very short Definition of Chalcedon that's so worth the two or three minutes it takes to read.


Jesus the Word

From the beginning, God has spoken and acted on creation's behalf, often through human agents or prophets. Jesus the Son is God's definitive Word, so it's no surprise the lectionary appoints this passage for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day every year when our songs celebrate "Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing" – "veiled in flesh, the godhead see – hail the incarnate deity" – "Jesus, our Emmanuel" Emmanuel means God-with-us.

What are your favorite Nativity songs and carols?

Hebrews tells us Jesus is human like us, Jesus is divine like God, yet Jesus has done and continues to do for us what we cannot accomplish for ourselves. In this book you'll notice familiar phrases you knew were in the bible but may not have known where, including Jesus as "author and finisher of our faith" in 12:2.

When the very young John Calvin wondered whether to begin his forthcoming systematic theology with humanity or with divinity, he finally decided it made no difference because his Institutes of the Christian Religion would travel the same (doctrinal and theological) places and come out in the same place.