“And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life … Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” – Hebrews 7:15-16, 25
She was lying in the casket–hair coiffed, makeup applied, and hands relaxed. She looked peaceful. Yet I found it awkward viewing someone who had died. And as I sat waiting for the funeral service to begin, my mind wandered to the inevitable time when her body would be lowered into the grave. Covered with dirt. That thought alone made me feel claustrophobic … even though the deceased woman had no knowledge or sensation of such things.
Death isn’t something I like to think about. I’d much rather dwell on happier thoughts, yet the reality of death forces me occasionally to contemplate it. It has claimed loved ones in years past … it will claim me at God’s appointed time. Unless the Lord returns first. Destructible–that’s what we are.
Yet INDESTRUCTIBLE–that’s what JESUS CHRIST IS!
He was nailed on a cross, then buried in a tightly sealed tomb. Guards kept watch while His disciples grieved. BUT ON THE THIRD DAY … HE ROSE AGAIN!
And because of His indestructible life, Christ is our High Priest who intercedes for us. As His flesh was torn on the cross, God tore the temple veil from top to bottom. Because of Christ, we have free access to God. We can draw near through Him.
“… the power of an indestructible life …”
- Jesus is God–eternal and all-powerful. Death could not keep Him in the grave.
- He obediently died on the cross as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. God the Father displayed His pleasure by raising Him from the dead.
- Christ conquered death and sits on the right hand of God the Father.
- Death has no final power over us as Christians. Yes, we’ll all die due to our sin, but we’ll then be immediately ushered into the Lord’s presence. Upon His return, our bodies will even be raised from the ground and restored to life. We’ll be like Him.
Who would think six words could hold such hope, such joy … such life? The Savior of the world isn’t in the ground covered with dirt. HE’S ALIVE! Death need not depress us. Our hope, our joy, and our life is in the One who conquered death. His presence is our destination.
Or is it? Dear friend, if you aren’t sure of your destination, today is the day of salvation. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved …” – Acts 16:31.
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