Hebrews 7:14-24 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.… Thus it still fares with men, with ministers, with all. A simple lesson, but often poorly learned! That ultimately we shall "not be suffered to continue by reason of death" is oftentimes forgotten — sometimes, apparently, almost disbelieved. And even. alas I when the fact is remembered and acknowledged, how frequent is it to overlook what death involves — the separation of body and soul; the source from which it emanates — sin; and the issues to which it leads — eternity, judgment, heaven, hell. In the very circumstance that death removes us from this terrestrial scene of things, and brings the professional pursuits of life to a termination, there is what should arrest and solemnise the mind. What a serious consideration this for worldly-minded and wicked men! What a pensive one even for the saints! "I must part with my library," writes Richard Baxter in prospect of his death, "and shall turn over the pages of my pleasant books no more." With death before them, well may men be cautious as to what temporal pursuits they choose. With death before them, how reasonable that ministers, and private Christians, should diligently ply the work of their sacred calling! A joyful thing it is to know that the faithful, in bidding the professional business of life farewell, shall pass to a nobler sphere of being, and a more illustrious kind of work. And amidst the funerals of the great and good, what a ground of hope and confidence is He — far greater and better than the best and greatest of them all — the High Priest who "continueth ever, and hath an unchangeable priesthood!" (A. S. Patterson.) Parallel Verses KJV: For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. |
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