This past Easter Monday the Catholic Church worldwide grieved the death of Pope Francis. Thereafter, 133 cardinal electors from six continents made their way to the Vatican.
Grieving gave way to anticipation as the conclave gathered. On Thursday, May 8th, white smoke emerged from the chimney of Sistine Chapel indicating that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected. This first American pontiff took the name Pope Leo XIV.
My frequent privilege, as a Pastor in Blenheim, was to learn that “The Pope” was in attendance for our Sunday service! Friends and community fondly gave this nickname to our friend, Larry Pope. He was one of the ‘good ole boys’; we so miss having him with us now.
The word ‘pope’ means father; the terms ‘pontiff’ and ‘priest’ refer to one who builds a bridge. The Bible speaks of a priest as being a MEDIATOR. The priest seeks to bridge the gap between the holy God and the sinful humanity.
God is focused on reconciling us to Himself. When peace with God is made by placing our faith in Jesus as Saviour, we can enjoy fellowship with Him.
I recently reviewed the role of a priest in the Bible book of HEBREWS. Look at what it teaches!
- Our “great high priest” is Jesus the Son of God. 4:14
The Apostle Paul affirms, “There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
- Our “great high priest” sacrificed Himself for us. 10:11-14
In Old Testament times, “Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can NEVER take away sins. But when this priest [Jesus] had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins… he made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”
Jesus ended the sacrificial system; His death on the cross was the perfect and only sacrifice needed to satisfy the Father’s demand of death for sin! Jesus did not sin, but died in our place – taking our sin upon Himself.
The Apostle Peter affirms, “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” Jesus alone perfectly bridged the gap between God and humanity.
- Our “great high priest” gives us access to His Father in Heaven 4:14-16
When we trust Jesus as Saviour we are ‘declared righteous’ before God; we then have access to the Father. This peace with God comes only through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1) He is the BRIDGE opening the way to forgiveness and the gift of eternal life.
And then, read this – “Since we have a great high priest…Jesus, the Son of God, let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Spiritually, God invites us into His presence to pray! How reassuring, and comforting.
Indeed, “What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear, what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!”
“Are you with me?”
Pastor Bill Terris