Better Hope

"Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron?" – Hebrews 7:11 ESV

Greek
τελείωσις/teleiosis: fulfillment, perfection

Why It Matters
To the Israelites, the Law was like a bridge connecting Earth with Heaven. When a person would break that Law, the bridge would be broken, rendered impassable, and a sacrifice would need to be made if there was any hope of its repair. The author of Hebrews even goes so far as to say that the Levitical system itself could never achieve teleiosis (perfection or fulfillment). So people could never achieve teleiosis in keeping the Law, but there could never be teleiosis from the Law in achieving its purpose! Think of it this way: even though the Law was supposed to be a bridge connecting Earth with Heaven, it was an unfinished bridge at best, pointing people toward a destination but unable to get them there.

Thankfully, Hebrews sees a better hope to link us to God, and it comes through a better priestly system. Instead of keeping rules and making sacrifices, there would be One who would come from outside of culture and be known as the Priest-King. This Messiah, from the kingly tribe of Judah, would uphold Holiness and Righteousness while demanding Justice among the people. But He would also be a Priest in the order of Melchizedek, whose Perfect Sacrifice would satisfy that call for Justice.

This Sacrificial System would achieve teleiosis as the bridge to God because God was the One to bridge that cosmic gap Himself! Now it’s no longer necessary for us to achieve perfection because that Work has been accomplished by a Loving God on our behalf.

Prayer
God, as I reflect on all You've done and I prepare for what is next, I want You to know that I place all my hope in You. Thank You that Yours is a Better Hope than anything else could offer. I trust You and look for Your Guiding Hand in this, and every season of life.

Application
Who needs to hear me celebrate the Hope of the Gospel this week?