Daily Reading: Hebrews 6:1–20
He has become a high priest forever. (Heb. 6:20)
Zimbabweans use the word amadlozi often. They view amadlozi (the spirits of the dead) as having two important roles.
First, they are to watch over the living members of their family. However, amadlozi can be rather fickle. One day they can be happy and pour good fortune onto a family; the next day they can become angry and wreak horrendous havoc. This causes many Africans to live in a state of fear. They are never sure what the amadlozi are going to do to them.
The second important role of the amadlozi is to speak to the great uNkulunkulu (God) on behalf of the living. One spirit (idlozi) has to speak to a higher ranked idlozi, who in turn has to speak to an even higher ranked idlozi,who can then speak to uNkulunkulu. However, Africans are never quite sure if what they want communicated to uNkulunkulu is being communicated accurately.
When Solomon Kalenge became a Christian, he testified that one reason for making this commitment was because of hearing about Jesus Christ being the High Priest. He shared, “It is so comforting to know that I do not have to depend upon fickle, ever-changing amadlozi to communicate to God what is on my mind and heart. Having Jesus as our High Priest gives me great assurance that my prayers are being heard accurately.”
Approach Jesus in confidence, knowing that He is our faithful and trustworthy high priest.
Jim “Umfundisi” Lo is the author of Connect with God: The Purpose of Prayer(WPH) and the dean of chapel at Indiana Wesleyan University.
