5 So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,
‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you’;
6as he says also in another place,
‘You are a priest for ever,
according to the order of Melchizedek.’
7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus* offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 10having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
The waiting is the hardest part. Every day you see one more card.
You take it on faith, you take it to the heart. The waiting is the hardest part.
–Tom Petty
Not usually a big Tom Petty fan, I was drawn to his lyrics after reading the scripture in Hebrews. Admittedly, I find myself questioning God’s timing and God’s plan. Why wait? Why does Jesus have to suffer, do miracles? Why not make him the high priest from the beginning?
The fact is, we live in a time in which convenience does not lend itself to waiting or patience. Ease trumps experience. Success is preferable to suffering. Yet Christ, through his life and death calls us to the same. The deep questions of faith have no easy answers. Much like we are left wondering when will Christ return?
The season of lent offers us time to prepare. It offers time of reflection. And what better place to reflect than the church which we all serve. As we continue with Christ to his cross, challenge yourself to think of the ways in which obedience provides an easy yoke of Christ. But remember, Christ’s suffering was not for the sake of suffering, but for God’s glorification. In our attempts to be like Christ, may we all remember that in the end it is God’s faithfulness to us that leads to redemption.
Prayer: God of anticipation, stir in us a patience to wait, and to see you as our source of peace. Amen.