I have worked for the same company almost twenty years. It was my first full time job out of college, and I am still there today. I find the work rewarding, sometimes challenging, and very stable. One thing I recall is the fact that over the years, co-workers seem to come and go. Normal turnover, plus an often unstable economy the last ten years, have both lead to this phenomenon I think. In particular, it used to bother me that in one of my departments, the senior manager position was in constant flux. About every two years we would change bosses. I would just get to know someone and begin to trust them, and all of a sudden they were gone. It was akin to a shift change at a factory; same job but a different person every so often. 
When I think about spiritual leadership in the Bible, my mind often gravitates back toward the Old Testament Levitical priesthood. God would select someone and ask them to lead the community. Much of the time these people weren't very happy about their appointment, often voicing a lack of confidence or ability to do the job. It didn't matter to God of course, all He wanted was their obedience and faith. He gave them the rest of what they needed after they said 'yes.' Throughout the generations, shift changes would occur in the leadership pipeline. Moses handed leadership over to Joshua. Aaron's descendants served as priests in Israel at the tabernacle. One high temple priest hands over the reigns to another, etc. Some of the priests were Ezra, Eli, and Zechariah for example.
Chapter 7 of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is a 'priest in the order of Melchizedek.' Who is this Melchizedek fellow, and how does he get the honorary title of being compared to God's son? We get another curious piece of Scripture in Hebrews 7:23-25. It says, "Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, he is able to serve completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them."
The name Melchizedek means literally king of righteousness. This individual was a priest who showed up after Abraham defeated his enemies in battle to offer Communion. The historical account goes on to say that Abraham was so taken by this man, he actually gave a tenth of all he had to this priest king! This was an odd gesture back then, as it would be similar to the IRS today sending you money even if they didn't owe you a return. I can imagine Abraham got some strange looks from his soldiers that day. In fact, some scholars consider the person of Melchizedek to be what is called a Christophany (a manifestation of Christ). In other words, they think that Abraham may have been literally visited by an early representation of Jesus, prior to his physical arrival in Nazareth all those years later. No matter which explanation you hold, it goes without saying that Melchizedek was a special person.
This comparison sets Jesus up to act as God's high priest - superior to any other priest because he is eternal. No more shift changes to deal with, so his followers can relax. If we serve him, then we serve a Lord who will never get laid off or give a two week notice. This is an entirely different kind of working relationship than we see today here on planet Earth.
Think back in your life to someone or something you could always count on. This is a rare thing mind you, and if you can think of more than one or two people as part of this category … you are lucky. Maybe it was a parent who was always there for you, or a friend who is only a phone call away. Whatever the case may be, you know what it's like to have stability in your life.
Jesus is a righteous leader who never passes the baton. He will always be there. It is a permanent priesthood, the likes of which we have never seen. A direct reflection of the eternal God, the Alpha and Omega (the beginning and the end). Jesus can intercede for you and I continuously because he has this eternal quality. He can represent us before a Holy God without fail, because he will never leave his post. If Jesus forgives us, then we are forgiven for all time. If we become born again through baptism and the Spirit, then we are one of God's own forever.
I think back often about the stable people in my life: my parents or my wife for example. I am grateful for them, because I realize not everyone can say the same thing. But Jesus will come to anyone who calls on his name. He is the one priest for all time. His kingdom is eternal and permanent, and his mansion has many rooms. Did you know there is a room for you as well?
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