This Week
Livestream
Midweek Lent 5
3:30 PM
Fifth Sunday in Lent
8:00 AM
It Is Finished: The kingly priest
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God's Old Testament people didn't know "Separation of Church and State" the way we see it now, but the kings and the priests did have separate functions. Kings ruled, defended, and cared for their people. Priests interceded between God and his people by offering prayers and sacrifices. They held different offices.
In the New Testament, one man occupies both positions. Jesus is the one who was born King of the Jews to rescue his people from their enemies and rule the hearts of his elect. Jesus is the one who was anointed priest and intercessor to offer himself as the perfect sacrifice on the cross and to intercede with our prayers before the Father.
In Jesus, priest and king are one. His kingdom of grace spreads and grows wherever forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are proclaimed in his Name.
Exactly What I Need: Life​​​​
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Death looms over all of us. It casts its pall over every human being.
I recognize the finality of death. I am tempted to wonder whether my life was worth it if I do not leave a legacy or live on in the memories of my loved ones after I die. Will those I leave behind be taken care of?
What's more important is what happens to me at death. When my soul separates from my body, will I also be eternally separated from God in hell? What is my eternal destiny?
Jesus promises much better: He promises life. One day I will be reunited with my believing loved ones. I will live with Jesus forever in heaven.
Jesus declared victory over death. He raised people from the dead to prove his power over death.
He gives me exactly what I need: Life.
