A HIGH PRIEST WHO CANNOT FAIL
Kimberly Portillo
Today's Scripture: “Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.“ Hebrews 8:1-2, ESV
Theme: At Christmas, we thank God for a High Priest—and not just any High Priest, but Jesus Himself —Who ministers to us in the holy places and invites us into holiness only available through Him.
YOU HAVE A HIGH PRIEST
When life feels overwhelming, it's easy to think no one truly understands what you’re carrying. But the Bible reminds us of a powerful truth: you have a High Priest who knows your struggles from the inside out. Your life, your struggles, your failures, and your hopes: they all rest in the hands of One who ministers with perfect wisdom and endless compassion.
Because He is seated on the throne by His Father:
- You don’t have to live striving to earn God’s approval;
- You don’t have to fear that forgiveness might run out;
- You don’t have to wonder if your salvation is secure.
HE INVITES US TO DRAW NEAR
Because of Jesus, holiness is not a standard we reach by straining or striving. It is a gift we receive by coming near to Him. Holiness is His life at work within ours: His purity shaping our desires, His compassion softening our hearts, His strength empowering our obedience. He invites us to draw near.
THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF GOD’S HOLINESS
Transformation through holiness is not primarily a human achievement. It is a divine work of God, conforming His people to His own character. He welcomes us into a relationship where transformation is the natural fruit of His Presence. We draw near, not because we are righteous, but because He is. And as we draw near, his priestly ministry continues its work: purifying, sustaining, and transforming us into the likeness of the One who intercedes for us without ceasing.
HOLINESS AND UNHOLINESS
This year, be intentional. Stay connected to God through prayer, learn His ways, and let Him shape your thinking. Align your actions and decisions with God’s will. Holiness requires ongoing effort, spiritual growth, and obedience. Unholiness often grows—not just from sin—but from what we feed our minds and hearts daily. Carefully choose what you consume; thoughts, media, words, and relationships. You are literally feeding holiness or unholiness in your life.
Make It Personal: Today, I will choose to align my thoughts with God’s Truth, my words with His love, and my actions with His will.
Reflection: What situation in your life right now feels unstable or overwhelming. How does Christ’s heavenly ministry speak into that? Do you see Jesus as distant or actively involved? How does Hebrews, Chapter 8, challenge that perception?
Pray: Lord Jesus, Thank You for being my perfect High Priest. My prayers are not lost in the air; they are carried by the One who stands in God’s Presence. My sins are not handled with reluctance; they are cleansed by the One who gave Himself willingly. My burdens are not ignored; they are seen. Lord, purify my heart, renew my mind, and guide my thoughts. Help me be holy as You are Holy. So, my life brings glory to Your name. Amen.
Read: Hebrews 4:14-16, 7:23-28, 8:1-2; Romans 8:33-34
Weekly Memory Verse: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14, ESV