Verses 7 and 8 caught my attention today: "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him."
Jesus was one who prayed a lot. He would remove himself from the group and would pray on a regular basis. Certainly his prayers in the garden of Gethsemane are quite notable and remembered as loud cries and tears. What caught my eye was just that phrase of "with loud cries and tears" as if this was a more frequent occurance - a good model of prayer. Certainly also the "reverent submission" is a call to us to submit ourselves to God - similar to "thy kingdom come, thy will be done".
Lord Jesus I submit my will to you and choose to follow you. Help me to obey you and put you first in all my thoughts and decisions.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Hebrews 4
Hebrews 4 has several items that really stood out to me.
First of all this whole discussion on the "rest" of God and entering into that rest. That rest is a blessing to have because those who were disobedient were prevented from entering that rest. If it weren't something great, then this prevention wouldn't be a bad thing. The writer of Hebrews compares this rest to Joshua bringing God's people into the promised land but says that this wasn't the rest being spoken of. The fact that some would compare to the promised land gives a hint about what the "rest" may be like. A place of blessing, a new home, a place free from war, a place. Normally I wouldn't think of "rest" referring to a place, but is isn't just the place but the fact that it is "our" place, free from worry, full of God's provision. This makes the "rest" sound a lot like heaven. He ends the discussion with an exhortation in verse 11: "Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience." There is effort that needs to me made, but the reward is great and the reward is rest.
Verses 12-13 are ones worth memorizing: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." So the first question is: What is the "word of God" being spoken about? Is it 1) the scripture 2) Jesus 3) The Holy Spirit? In Ephesians 6 Paul talks about the sword of the spirit which is the word of God. This is certainly partially scripture as we see Jesus using scripture as a sword in Matthew 4 when he is being tempted by the devil. You could say in that example that it is scripture being properly used by the Spirit to defend, expose and uncover since Satan used scripture as well but wrongly. In this context the "living and active" could be applied to scripture in this active context, but it seems that there is the necessary active role of the Holy Spirit because of the "nothing...hidden from God's sight". While Jesus is described as the "word" in John 1 and elsewhere, here the context "sharper than any double-edged sword" would more describe Jesus' words used by the Spirit than Jesus himself. In Revelation 19:15 Jesus is described as having a double-edged sword coming out of his mouth. So here again this wouldn't be a reference to Jesus, but to his powerful words (Heb 1:3) being empowered by his Spirit.
Finally verses 15 and 16 are very powerful: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Again the focus is on Christ, our high priest, who can sympathize with us. He was tempted in every way we are - an amazing thought! Yet was without sin. This is a powerful testification to his perfect life, and it also tells us that to be tempted is not to sin. Sin comes when we join with and go along with the temptation. This is important to know for our consciences.
Also then knowing that we have the priveledge to approach God's throne, but note 1) it is a throne of grace - that is kindness, mercy and forgiveness 2) we can approach boldly, not with head and shoulders weighed down in guilt but with head raised, knowing that Jesus loves us, is our high priest and that he is working on our behalf. This bold approach to the throne gains us mercy and grace. If we hold back and don't go to the throne of grace, we can miss out because it says "let us approach...so that we may receive..."
Wow! There is a lot here! Help me Lord Jesus to know your love and mercy and approach you boldly since you call me to come. I want to come; help me to come daily to you!
First of all this whole discussion on the "rest" of God and entering into that rest. That rest is a blessing to have because those who were disobedient were prevented from entering that rest. If it weren't something great, then this prevention wouldn't be a bad thing. The writer of Hebrews compares this rest to Joshua bringing God's people into the promised land but says that this wasn't the rest being spoken of. The fact that some would compare to the promised land gives a hint about what the "rest" may be like. A place of blessing, a new home, a place free from war, a place. Normally I wouldn't think of "rest" referring to a place, but is isn't just the place but the fact that it is "our" place, free from worry, full of God's provision. This makes the "rest" sound a lot like heaven. He ends the discussion with an exhortation in verse 11: "Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience." There is effort that needs to me made, but the reward is great and the reward is rest.
Verses 12-13 are ones worth memorizing: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." So the first question is: What is the "word of God" being spoken about? Is it 1) the scripture 2) Jesus 3) The Holy Spirit? In Ephesians 6 Paul talks about the sword of the spirit which is the word of God. This is certainly partially scripture as we see Jesus using scripture as a sword in Matthew 4 when he is being tempted by the devil. You could say in that example that it is scripture being properly used by the Spirit to defend, expose and uncover since Satan used scripture as well but wrongly. In this context the "living and active" could be applied to scripture in this active context, but it seems that there is the necessary active role of the Holy Spirit because of the "nothing...hidden from God's sight". While Jesus is described as the "word" in John 1 and elsewhere, here the context "sharper than any double-edged sword" would more describe Jesus' words used by the Spirit than Jesus himself. In Revelation 19:15 Jesus is described as having a double-edged sword coming out of his mouth. So here again this wouldn't be a reference to Jesus, but to his powerful words (Heb 1:3) being empowered by his Spirit.
Finally verses 15 and 16 are very powerful: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Again the focus is on Christ, our high priest, who can sympathize with us. He was tempted in every way we are - an amazing thought! Yet was without sin. This is a powerful testification to his perfect life, and it also tells us that to be tempted is not to sin. Sin comes when we join with and go along with the temptation. This is important to know for our consciences.
Also then knowing that we have the priveledge to approach God's throne, but note 1) it is a throne of grace - that is kindness, mercy and forgiveness 2) we can approach boldly, not with head and shoulders weighed down in guilt but with head raised, knowing that Jesus loves us, is our high priest and that he is working on our behalf. This bold approach to the throne gains us mercy and grace. If we hold back and don't go to the throne of grace, we can miss out because it says "let us approach...so that we may receive..."
Wow! There is a lot here! Help me Lord Jesus to know your love and mercy and approach you boldly since you call me to come. I want to come; help me to come daily to you!
Hebrews 2 and 3
In these beginning chapters of Hebrews, the initial verses are the ones that are really grabbing me.
The structure seems to be that the author of Hebrews makes a powerful statement and then the following verses are the evidence that supports that statement.
So in Hebrews 2 I was caught by the initial verse: "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." There is a strong command or hortative statement for us to pay careful attention to the gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ. We are urged to do so lest we "drift away". This drift is ever so subtle and reminds me of the Casting Crowns song "Slow Fade". We usually don't have dramatic immediate departures from God, but there is this slowly drifting that can occur that robs our joy, zeal, hope and love. Then, using the drifting metaphore, we have to paddle hard to get back to where we want to be in Christ. This is a reminder and a confirmative call to what I've felt God speaking to me and our church recently. We need to press in to God and not be swept away by the drifting currents.
In Hebrews 3, verse 1 also stood out to me: "Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess." This reminds me of Hebrews 12 where we are called to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. The book of Hebrews is really calling us back to the supremacy of Christ Jesus and our need to focus on him and not get our focus on other things around us that can distract and discourage us. For instance, we are not to focus on other people and what they are doing or saying but rather on Jesus. We are not to focus on problems or worries that can choke out our life in Christ. This reminds me of Peter when he got out of the boat with Jesus. While he kept his eyes on Jesus, he was fine and walked on the water. When he looked at the waves and water, he began to give way to fear and doubt and began to sink. It also reminds me of the book "Good To Great in God's Eyes" by Chip Ingram where he is talking about our thoughts and how important it is to guard our thought life. This verse says "fix your thoughts on Jesus". We should keep our minds focused on our source and saviour for from him comes life and hope and peace. Help me Lord Jesus to keep my thoughts and actions centered around you and your kingdom!
The structure seems to be that the author of Hebrews makes a powerful statement and then the following verses are the evidence that supports that statement.
So in Hebrews 2 I was caught by the initial verse: "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." There is a strong command or hortative statement for us to pay careful attention to the gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ. We are urged to do so lest we "drift away". This drift is ever so subtle and reminds me of the Casting Crowns song "Slow Fade". We usually don't have dramatic immediate departures from God, but there is this slowly drifting that can occur that robs our joy, zeal, hope and love. Then, using the drifting metaphore, we have to paddle hard to get back to where we want to be in Christ. This is a reminder and a confirmative call to what I've felt God speaking to me and our church recently. We need to press in to God and not be swept away by the drifting currents.
In Hebrews 3, verse 1 also stood out to me: "Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess." This reminds me of Hebrews 12 where we are called to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. The book of Hebrews is really calling us back to the supremacy of Christ Jesus and our need to focus on him and not get our focus on other things around us that can distract and discourage us. For instance, we are not to focus on other people and what they are doing or saying but rather on Jesus. We are not to focus on problems or worries that can choke out our life in Christ. This reminds me of Peter when he got out of the boat with Jesus. While he kept his eyes on Jesus, he was fine and walked on the water. When he looked at the waves and water, he began to give way to fear and doubt and began to sink. It also reminds me of the book "Good To Great in God's Eyes" by Chip Ingram where he is talking about our thoughts and how important it is to guard our thought life. This verse says "fix your thoughts on Jesus". We should keep our minds focused on our source and saviour for from him comes life and hope and peace. Help me Lord Jesus to keep my thoughts and actions centered around you and your kingdom!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Hebrews 1
In this beginning of Hebrews, Verses 2 and 3 really stood out to me highlighting the majesty, glory, honor and power of Jesus Christ.
"...his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."
Two phrases, "the exact representation of his being" and "sustaining all things by his powerful word" tell me this: 1) Jesus is exactly equal to God, not lesser in any way or even different for that matter, but exactly the same 2) Jesus not only created all of creation but still, by his power, holds it all together.
Perhaps even the very forces of nature that we observe that hold things together (gravity, strong and weak nuclear forces) are simply the working of Jesus' powerful word - that same word that called all of creation into existance.
Jesus is amazing!!
"...his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."
Two phrases, "the exact representation of his being" and "sustaining all things by his powerful word" tell me this: 1) Jesus is exactly equal to God, not lesser in any way or even different for that matter, but exactly the same 2) Jesus not only created all of creation but still, by his power, holds it all together.
Perhaps even the very forces of nature that we observe that hold things together (gravity, strong and weak nuclear forces) are simply the working of Jesus' powerful word - that same word that called all of creation into existance.
Jesus is amazing!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)