4/19/12

Some things change; some do not!!!


Over the past couple of days I watched the last two terminator movies.  So, it wasn't a big surprise that this picture reminded me of the machines' terminator use of "liquid metal".  Fascinating concept, metal that can re-form into any shape desired or even crude weapons.  Humans have reshaped ore into metal for several thousand years, but not with the abilities found in these Science Fiction flicks.  Now, I know that things change; in fact our world is in a constant state of flux, but its nice to know that in fact somethings do not change.  Here is an example...

WEB: Hebrews Chapter 7

[1] For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, [2] to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace; [3] without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God), remains a priest continually. [4] Now consider how great this man was, to whom even Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the best spoils. [5] They indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brothers, though these have come out of the body of Abraham, [6] but he whose genealogy is not counted from them has accepted tithes from Abraham, and has blessed him who has the promises. [7] But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. [8] Here people who die receive tithes, but there one receives tithes of whom it is testified that he lives. [9] We can say that through Abraham even Levi, who receives tithes, has paid tithes, [10] for he was yet in the body of his father when Melchizedek met him. [11] Now if there were perfection through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people have received the law), what further need was there for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron? [12] For the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a change made also in the law. [13] For he of whom these things are said belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. [14] For it is evident that our Lord has sprung out of Judah, about which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. [15] This is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there arises another priest, [16] who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life: [17] for it is testified,

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


[18] For there is an annulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and uselessness [19] (for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. [20] Inasmuch as he was not made priest without the taking of an oath [21] (for they indeed have been made priests without an oath), but he with an oath by him that says of him,

“The Lord swore and will not change his mind,
‘You are a priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek.’”


[22] By so much, Jesus has become the collateral of a better covenant.


We do not live by the ten commandments today; we live the life of obedience of faith.  Although I must say that sometimes just obeying law seems like a good idea, I know it isn't, because I know myself.  As a weak, fragile human being, I do things I regret.  So, I am NOT PERFECT!!! I need a "law" that gives grace to my weaknesses and a judge who forgives my shortcomings.  In short, grace and Jesus.  He is the priest of an eternal covenant who is there even in my worst failures and loves me anyway.  Its up to me to daily strive to live a life free from sin.  In a certain sense, all Christians are "terminators" because they want to pursue perfection and destroy sin.  Only thing left to do is to go back and watch the first of the terminator movies; then the story will be complete!!!