In continuing to explain Jesus' identity and role, the author of Hebrews describes Jesus as the high priest.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Hebrews 4: Rebellion Or Rest?
"Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion...As in my anger I swore, 'They shall not enter my rest.'"
Monday, November 6, 2017
Hebrews 3: Jesus > Moses
How does Jesus compare with Moses, who played such an important role in the covenant established at Sinai? While both were faithful in all God's house, Jesus is regarded as a Son while Moses is regarded as a servant. The author of Hebrews again makes the point that Jesus is above all, even one as great as Moses!
Psalm 43: Hopelessness And Hopefulness
Psalm 42 and 43 vacillate between postures of hopelessness and hopefulness.
The recurring theme of "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me?" strikes me as an expression of deep hopelessness. The Psalmist has been remembering his times leading the multitude and participating in worship in the house of the Lord. Yet something has happened to make these experiences nothing more than memories for him now. His current state is one of being oppressed by enemies and persecuted by the ungodly.
His sights, however, are set not on his past joys or his present troubles but on hopes of better times to come - when he will "go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy and praise you with the harp O God, my God" (vs. 4). The cure for his [our] hopelessness is hopefulness - and not just in anything, but in God!
"Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God" (vs. 5).
The recurring theme of "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me?" strikes me as an expression of deep hopelessness. The Psalmist has been remembering his times leading the multitude and participating in worship in the house of the Lord. Yet something has happened to make these experiences nothing more than memories for him now. His current state is one of being oppressed by enemies and persecuted by the ungodly.
His sights, however, are set not on his past joys or his present troubles but on hopes of better times to come - when he will "go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy and praise you with the harp O God, my God" (vs. 4). The cure for his [our] hopelessness is hopefulness - and not just in anything, but in God!
"Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God" (vs. 5).
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Hebrews 2: Just Like Us
Even though Jesus is higher than angels (ch. 1) the author of Hebrews strives to point out that He is also just like us (ch. 2)!
"Brothers and sisters" is the term applied to our relationship with Jesus (vs. 11, 12, and 17). Jesus, the Son of God, took on flesh and blood in order to make us sons - and daughters - of God.
Hebrews explains that He accomplished this through His suffering. Jesus suffered everything that we do, and even suffered to the point of death to break the power of death.
Because Jesus suffered, He is able to help us who are suffering!
"Brothers and sisters" is the term applied to our relationship with Jesus (vs. 11, 12, and 17). Jesus, the Son of God, took on flesh and blood in order to make us sons - and daughters - of God.
Hebrews explains that He accomplished this through His suffering. Jesus suffered everything that we do, and even suffered to the point of death to break the power of death.
Because Jesus suffered, He is able to help us who are suffering!
Hebrews 1: Jesus > Angels
The Book of Hebrews contains a lot of theology. It begins by exploring the question of just who Jesus is. Remember that the first generation of Christians had a lot of questions and uncertainties regarding their faith. Was Jesus the greatest human being who ever lived - or was He something more? Could He possibly be considered on a par with the angels?
The book's author (whose identity is known only to God) is determined to demonstrate that Jesus, as the Son of God, ranks far above even angelic creatures.
While angels are divine servants, Jesus Himself is divine!
The book's author (whose identity is known only to God) is determined to demonstrate that Jesus, as the Son of God, ranks far above even angelic creatures.
While angels are divine servants, Jesus Himself is divine!
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
II Peter 3: The Fire Next Time
Peter mentions three times in II Peter 3 that a judgment by fire is coming upon our world:
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