Heard in that He Feared Hebrews 5:7

The Hebrew writer shared how Psalm one hundred ten declared concerning Jesus, “you are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec” , and in chapter five and verse seven of Hebrews we see how the “high priest” “heard in that he feared” where we read:

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

The verse begins, “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications...” The writer began with the words, “Who in the days” which means “in the days of his life” “of his flesh” which refers to “the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood”, “when he had offered up” or “at the time the high priest brought up and lead in” “prayers” which means “needs, wants, privations and penuries” “and supplications” or “entreaties”. The “high priest” “offered up” and entreated God on behalf of the people.

The verse continued, “ ...with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;” The writer added, “with strong crying” which means “mighty, forcible, firm and sure outcries and clamor”, “and tears” or “weepings from the eyes” “unto him” which refers to “God” “was able to save him” or “had ability, power and resources to keep safe, rescue and preserve” “from death” which means “separation (whether natural or violent) of the soul and the body by which the life on earth is ended”, “and was heard” or “given heed to, complied with, listened, assented to and obeyed” “in that he feared” which means “the high priest took caution, was circumspect, avoided and used discretion”. The “high priest” “offered up” “prayers and supplications” with intense “weeping and tears” as he revered God who was able to keep him from dying while he interceded for the people.

When we think through these words in Hebrews, we realize the “fear” the “high priest” incurred every time he offered “prayers and supplications” for the people. His own life was on the line while he interceded, and he obeyed God's commission anyway. Jesus Christ became our perfect “great high priest” and actually gave His life on our behalf. Once again this demonstrates His superiority to any “high priest” who came before, and now all we must do is believe in Him as Savior and Lord. Oh let all who read these words know this great and mighty intercessor and “great high priest” Jesus Christ.

Next time we see the writer share how Jesus“learned obedience by the things which he suffered”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.