Hebrews 5:4 And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.

When the Jewish Temple system hasn’t been in operation for 2,000 years, we have trouble really relating to the idea of a high priest. However, Catholic Church structure has many analogies to Temple practice. Human beings somehow tend to gravitate toward that sort of thing. In this case, the high priest would be analogous to the Pope, but even a cursory look at history shows the weaknesses in all human systems. Some of the historical popes were despicable in almost every way, and in Jesus’ day, the high priest was no better. That said, the office carried meaning beyond the merely political. John records Caiaphas, the “high priest that year” giving a prophecy that he himself was not aware was from God, speaking of Jesus dying for all the people, enabled because of his priestly office. (John 11:49-52) All that said, the extensive discussion of Jesus as our Great High Priest in Hebrews doesn’t click for the average modern reader. This verse helps put it all into perspective. High Priest (or Pope) is indeed a high ecclesiastical office, but it is not one that should be subject to human ambition. God knows who He wants to shepherd His flock, and indeed, the task is hopeless without His empowerment and direction. Horrible things happen when people ascend to high office simply by their own ambition and effort. That of course applies to politics as well, but the focus here is on the Church.

I have been aware of this issue for most of my life, since I have several Church leaders in my family tree. At the same time, I have run from such service myself, not wanting the responsibilities that are inescapable. When I was in seminary, I had the distinct impression that quite a few of my classmates were “Mama called and Papa sent,” as the expression goes. That is a major reason for the wash-out rate of pastors. I remember one man who seemed to me to be more interested in denominational politics than he was in actual ministry. Not being in any organizational structure myself, I have had times of being very unfocused, and in retrospect, it wasn’t pretty. At the same time, I have a very sharp awareness, at least currently, of being called and sent by my Lord. I have no human sending body, so by some definitions it might be hard to call me a missionary. I’m just a Caucasian pastor in Japan! That said, a lot of people currently relate to me as a representative of Christ, and there could be no higher honor. I perform weddings at a local “wedding palace,” requiring a session of counseling for the couple before I will do the ceremony. I don’t do them on Sundays, and some couples decline to make time for the counseling, so the “wedding palace” contracts with an agency that supplies “ministers” for such things. I once got to look through the folder of one such person, and it included their “ministry certificate” – purchased over the Internet! I personally would be very scared to stand as a representative of God if He hadn’t told me to do so! I am imperfect, just as Hebrews speaks of the merely human High Priests, but I seek to serve Him as He directs, in His strength and wisdom, for His glory alone.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the incredible privilege of serving You as Your agent. May I not distort that in any way, but seek and allow Your Holy Spirit to guide me in every detail, building up the Body of Christ for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!