"It is even more obvious when another priest arises, resembling Melchizedek, one who has become a priest, not through a legal requirement concerning physical descent, but through the power of an indestructible life."
(Hebrews 7:15-16)
The author of Hebrews spends chapter 7 talking about the great high priest Melchizedek from the time of Abraham. In contrast, he presents Jesus - who surpasses even "The Great Mel." What struck me as I was reading this today was the qualification... Jesus wasn't "born into" his priesthood (well, technically the whole Son-of-God thing might be construed this way, but let's put that thought aside for now). He didn't get his title from his family line (which is how the priesthood was passed down back then - through the tribe of Levi!). Instead, it was "the power of an indestructible life." Wow.
An indestructible life... doesn't mean "impervious to harm," for Jesus was ultimately crucified. Maybe Jesus' "indestructibility" refers to his focus... his passion... his purpose in life. He knew who God was calling him to be. He didn't let anyone push him off of or dissuade his resolve - even to the point of giving up his life out of love.
We're not Jesus, of course... but could we strive for "an indestructible life," too? How might our lives echo Jesus' mission of love, grace, and acceptance of others? Can we be grounded in a life that focuses on "giving ourselves away for the world"... and thereby find something that no one (or no thing) can ever take away?
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