Alva Review-Courier -

Have you ever noticed how few golfers “of color” are on the PGA tour? Prior to Tiger Woods, the only name that comes to mind is Calvin Peete. He had 12 wins on the tour – which ain’t too shabby – but comes nowhere near Tiger’s amazing career. I’m sure that’s the reason so many were surprised to see just how successful Mr. Woods has become. There are precious few records that he has not broken and, according to the talking heads that think they know, his newly established records may never be touched. Tiger didn’t fit the profile – so the profile had to be changed to fit Tiger.

The Hebrew writer makes the same sort of argument in favor of Jesus becoming the great and forever High Priest. First, Jesus was from the wrong tribe. When the law of Moses was established, the tribe of Levi (from which Moses and Aaron hailed) was chosen by God to represent the people as priests. Jesus was from the tribe of Judah. It was the home-tribe of the great King David; but no-one from Judah had ever served as any sort of priest, much less the High Priest. But Jesus was chosen by God to continue the priesthood of Melchizedek – in place long before Levi was born.

Then, since God had chosen – and sworn by oath – that Jesus was the rightful High Priest, the Law itself had to be revamped. If Jesus did not fit the profile of the Law, God would change the profile of the Law to fit Jesus. So, as Paul recounts, Jesus took the handwriting of ordinances out of the way, and nailed them to His cross.

All of this was made possible by the fact that Jesus was (a) unspotted, perfect, pure, righteous, etc. and (b) human. He understood (perfectly) our needs but was clean enough to be both perfect sacrifice and perfect High Priest on our behalf. Add to those things that Jesus is, in His very being, eternal and you see that we have a High Priest that never needs to be replaced. His record will, indeed, stand forever.