Page 51 - Laying Down the Law

Hebrews 7:14-19
For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke
nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness
of Melchizedek, there arises another priest who has come, not according to the
law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.
For He testifies: "You are a priest forever according to the order of
Melchizedek." For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former
commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, for the law made
nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope,
through which we draw near to God.

People of God, can you understand that the pride of man, and the carnal nature,
respond negatively to a change of priesthood? The natural descendants of Abraham
were the sole stewards of the Old Covenant. Consider the passions and desires
resident in the soul of man that would resist ever having this order changed. The
Levites did not want to lose their unique role and call. Neither did the Jewish people,
for they all considered themselves to be a holy people. A change of priesthood would
alter their PLACE in this world.

John 11:47-48
Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, "What
shall we do? For this Man works many signs. If we let Him alone like this,
everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both
our PLACE and nation."

It is a great failing of man that he is more concerned with his place in this world
than he is intent upon seeing the will of Yahweh accomplished. Although the Levitical
Priesthood could not take men beyond spiritual childhood, they did not want to
relinquish their role when God determined to raise up a new priesthood to take men
on to maturity.
Many Christians are committing the same error today. They refuse to let go of
the Old Covenant, even when they are shown clearly that it can make no man perfect.
Why is this occurring?
Many men are able to make a good showing in the flesh by proclaiming a
continuance of the Law, but they fall short of the standard of those who would be
priests according to a Melchizedek priesthood. They are not walking as Christ walked.
They have not counted the cost of being Yahshua’s disciples and accepted it. They are
willing to give God a tithe of their time and money, but not their entire lives. Wanting
to be esteemed as spiritually mature, they are unwilling to enter the kingdom of God
as children.
The result is that the church continues to walk after the pattern of a Levitical
Priesthood. Priests and parishioners, ministers and members, are all spiritual