He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. (Heb. 7:13)
Expanded Passage: Hebrews 7:13-17
The one in the back was scraggly and needed a bath—soon. While the others clamored for the family’s attention, he simply rested his gaze. He practically melted into the corner, silent and still. It was like he knew he had nothing to offer and yet had all the hope in the world. The longing in this puppy’s eyes outshone the others’ antics, who needed rescue too. He simply trusted the kind family would choose him if they wanted to bring him home.
Jesus didn’t meet human expectations. He wasn’t from the priestly tribe; his qualification came straight from God. Now, no man stands between us and God. Rather, God himself in Jesus is our mediator and advocate, promising total forgiveness and adoption into his family. That means your access to God isn’t based on your pedigree, past, or perfection. You are welcomed into God’s grace because Jesus made the way for you, and he is appointed Great High Priest forever. Access is now open to all who would trust in Jesus for salvation, and all are invited because of the worth of his gift of grace.
The rescue puppy’s quiet faith drew the family in. If you are weary from trying to prove to God that you are valuable, rest. He has invited you in because he is worthy and he demonstrated his love to you.
Rest. You don’t need to prove your worth to God.
Elizabeth Rhyno is wife to Scott and mother to three adult children and two sons-in-law. She is an ordained pastor and entrepreneur. She enjoys helping people deepen their intimacy with God and grow in joyful purpose.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
