This morning? A bit of resurrection appreciation. Easter’s not just for the spring.

Reading in Hebrews. Reading about Jesus as priest. More specifically, that He’s “a priest forever.”

Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? . . . For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.

This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of Him,

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

(Hebrews 7:11, 14-17 ESV)

Forever. It’s kind of an important word in the book of Hebrews. Think about it and it’s kind of an important word for us too. If we what we believe, if what we follow, if what we hope in isn’t something that lasts forever, then what’s the point? Without forever, then the life stories we are writing really have no greater context, no greater narrative to fit into. But if there is forever, then what we do now matters beyond now. So, what we believe in now — and in whom we believe now — better be about forever too.

Jesus is a priest forever. Just as He is king forever (Heb. 1:8), Jesus also “holds His priesthood permanently” (Heb. 7:24). And how come? Because Jesus Himself “continues forever.”

Forever . . . like I said, it’s kind of an important word.

And forever is the number one qualification for someone who is going to be identified as a priest like the priest portrayed in the story of Melchizedek (Gen. 14:18-20, Heb. 7:1-10) — the qualification of “having neither beginning of days nor end of life” (Heb. 7:3). Thus, Jesus is entitled to the Melchizedek priesthood not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.

Okay, it’s taken a while for me to get there, but that’s what I’m chewing on this morning, the power of an indestructible life. It’s kind of important, isn’t it?

A reminder that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a pretty big deal. For without it, there is no forever. No forever king, no forever priest, no forever sacrifice, no forever advocate. Thus, no forever hope.

A reminder that we need the power of an indestructible life. We need, as Peterson puts it, “the sheer force of resurrection life” (Heb. 7:16 MSG).

Jesus holds His priesthood permanently “because He continues forever” (Heb. 7:24). Attested to by an empty tomb, the proof of an indestructible life.

As such, Jesus is able to “save to the uttermost” those who have placed their faith in Him because “He always lives” to intercede on their behalf (Heb. 7:25) — possible only because of an indestructible life.

We look forward in anticipation of a certain forever, because of the power of an indestructible life. Amen?

By His grace. For His glory.