He is Enough!

The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever. (Hebrews 7:23-28 ESV).

COVID-19 continues its march across our country and daily we are being informed of more measures to “flatten the curve.” I encourage you to be both wise and gentle in your actions. Resist the temptation to become anxious or frantic. Mary and I are certainly taking this health threat very seriously. Because of our age and physical conditions we are isolating as recommended by our physicians. Thankfully, we have family close to us who are being very attentive to our needs. Of course, other family members have been very attentive in checking on us and doing what they can from so far away. We are blessed beyond measure. With our present technology I am also able to continue most of the ministry developed with people in need of pastoral care and direction. Even with all of that said, I also know there are many who are not in the same position. My prayers are the same for all of us… trust in the One who is able to “save to the uttermost.” As we continue in this Lenten season, our reading is timely, both for our celebration of the Resurrection and strength in this crisis. Jesus is a complete Savior, “he is able to save to the uttermost” (v. 24). In fact, in the full text of our reading the writer goes even further. He is a welcoming Savior, he saves “those who come to God through him.” He is an unfailing, praying Savior, “he always lives to intercede” for us. Jesus is a fitting Savior, he “truly meets our need.” He is a righteous, unimpeachable, unblemished Savior, he is “blameless, pure.” He is a “holy” Savior, “set apart from sinners.” He is an ascended Savior, “exalted above the heavens.” Jesus’ atoning work is finished—“he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day … he sacrificed for [our] sins once for all.” And he is a willing Savior, “he offered himself.” Again, Jesus is the only Savior (cf. John 14:6). Please be wise. Take this crisis seriously, but remember that our God is sufficient. He has proven Himself more than abundantly capable in every circumstance of life. Deliver your fear and anxiety to Him!