I think I'll increase the frequency of posting back to near what I had it - since, upon some suggestions, I've slowed down, the level of interaction has dropped off. And since the point of it is for some dialogue, I'll resume posting 3-5x/week and see if that helps us out:)
For today's NIV reading, click here: Hebrews 2:10-18
Several suggestions as you read this: look for the meaning attached to Jesus' suffering and death. What about this particular passage helps us understand why His death was important, necessary and helpful; what did it accomplish or enable? What did it do to/for Jesus' role as a priest?
Also notice the amazing ways our relationship to Jesus is described...phenomenal!
Your thoughts...
The genealogy of JESUS includes a prostitute, a murderer, an adulterer, a drunk, and the wisest man ever to walk the face of the earth, despite his chasing of foreign 'gods' along with his 1000 wives and girlfriends. Over centuries GOD foretold the life, death and resurrection of JESUS through 360 some-odd prophecies. And you know what? Despite what any reasonable person would say were questionable and sinful uses of many, many peoples' freewill, GOD got exactly what HE wanted. Every single prophecy was fulfilled to the "T." And HE still is, by the way.
ReplyDeleteSo what does that mean for you and me? It means that our lives, too, were planned to this detail. JESUS was made perfect, and we are being made perfect in HIS perfect time, too. JESUS' life was planned, foretold and carried out perfectly to fulfill GOD's purposes (of whom all things exist for and through) and so was mine (and yours). And those times that you believe you may have "missed the mark," or sinned? All water under the bridge. Done. Paid for. That's pretty GOOD NEWS, yes?
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your path. And direct HIS angels to put a hedge around you, lest you stub your toe. And provide all of your needs ($$). And teach you everything you need to know for this life and what comes after this earthly life. And save you from your enemies. And choose your inheritance for you. No need to beg for it. Not necessary to trade anything for it. In fact, you couldn't beg, borrow or steal it if was your only goal in life. The only thing you can do is rest in HIS loving arms and accept it. If that isn't covered by "amazing grace," I don't know what it. HIS grace is sufficient. And then some. How great is our GOD? Beyond what our tiny little minds could possibly comprehend.
Verses 10 and 18 are clearly the bookends that tie this section together. They emphasize that it was 'fitting' that God should make make Jesus' role here as Savior complete/perfect through suffering. That has been the way of God in the past, and in fact, it may display God's character more fully than anything else! This results, as verse 18 says, in Jesus' complete effectiveness to 'help' us. He suffered, including the suffering of temptation and so can help us in a way otherwise unavailable to us. In fact, Jesus sees it as no shame to call us 'brothers and sisters!' We're family. In other words, Jesus stands WITH us and is committed to saving us, making atonement for our sins (making us 'at-one' with God.
ReplyDeleteHi Matt. I wanted to check in to say that I am reading along, but finding it hard to devote enough time for serious comments. Just so you know someone out there is paying attention and appreciates your efforts.
ReplyDeleteAppreciate the note, Dave.
ReplyDeleteYup , me too !
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