v. 14-18
"Since the children have flesh, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death -- that is, the devil -- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."
Read those words when you are hurting, when life is beating you up, and they can touch your heart and bring tears to your eyes. He understands. He has set us free.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Friday, August 23, 2013
Hebrews 1 - Jesus > angels
If you enjoy unsolved mysteries, then the New Testament letter to the Hebrews is a great one. Scholars debate, but nobody has been able to conclusively show who the author is. Priscilla, Luke, Apollos, Barnabas and Paul himself have all been suggested as possibilities. But nobody knows for sure.
The letter was written to Hebrews, Jewish Christians, who at the time were experiencing tremendous persecution at the hands of both the Roman Empire and the traditional religious establishment.
In chapter 1 we read a case for the deity and supremacy of Jesus Christ. He has been "appointed heir of all things", and the universe was created through Him. (v. 2). He is the "exact representation" of God's being and "sustains all things by his powerful word". (v. 3). Heavy stuff indeed. In verses 4-13, He is positioned as being greater than angels, using a number of references to Psalms, which the Jewish readers should have been quite familiar with.
I love verse 12, which in describing Jesus, the Son, we read "But you remain the same, and your years will never end." To know we worship an unchanging, everlasting God is powerfully comforting in a world that is ever-changing and exhausting.
The letter was written to Hebrews, Jewish Christians, who at the time were experiencing tremendous persecution at the hands of both the Roman Empire and the traditional religious establishment.
In chapter 1 we read a case for the deity and supremacy of Jesus Christ. He has been "appointed heir of all things", and the universe was created through Him. (v. 2). He is the "exact representation" of God's being and "sustains all things by his powerful word". (v. 3). Heavy stuff indeed. In verses 4-13, He is positioned as being greater than angels, using a number of references to Psalms, which the Jewish readers should have been quite familiar with.
I love verse 12, which in describing Jesus, the Son, we read "But you remain the same, and your years will never end." To know we worship an unchanging, everlasting God is powerfully comforting in a world that is ever-changing and exhausting.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Philemon - Better Than a Slave
It's so hard to read Philemon without imagining what it would be like to exist in a culture in which slavery dominates every aspect of life. By seeking to reunite Philemon with Onesimus, is Paul condoning the institution of slavery? And what does it look like for a person who essentially owns another to look on him "no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother?" (v. 16). That's intense stuff to think through.
One thing we see unmistakably, is that Paul is putting himself on the line for the sake of Onesimus. "If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me", he writes, "and I, Paul, will pay it back" (v. 18-19). Philemon is a beautiful picture of the redemptive power of human relationships that are founded on the person of Christ. Only in Christ does it make sense for a master to forgive and receive a slave back as a member of his family. Only in Christ can systems that are so flawed and broken be part of something characterized by love.
One thing we see unmistakably, is that Paul is putting himself on the line for the sake of Onesimus. "If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me", he writes, "and I, Paul, will pay it back" (v. 18-19). Philemon is a beautiful picture of the redemptive power of human relationships that are founded on the person of Christ. Only in Christ does it make sense for a master to forgive and receive a slave back as a member of his family. Only in Christ can systems that are so flawed and broken be part of something characterized by love.
Friday, August 9, 2013
Titus 3 - What to Do, What Not to Do
Do: be obedient, defer to rulers and authorities, be peaceable and considerate, show true humility, be productive, and (repeated 3 times) do whatever is good
Do not: slander anyone, engage in foolish controversies, argue, quarrel about the law, speak divisively, live an unproductive life
Sounds good and seems simple enough. Actually it's impossible, which is why verses 4-7 are so important.
"But when the kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do not: slander anyone, engage in foolish controversies, argue, quarrel about the law, speak divisively, live an unproductive life
Sounds good and seems simple enough. Actually it's impossible, which is why verses 4-7 are so important.
"But when the kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, August 2, 2013
Titus 2 - Instructions For All
On one hand we understand that the work of personal transformation is God's job not ours. We cannot change people's hearts. The Holy Spirit does that.
At the same time, in Titus 2 we see that we have a very practical role in helping people understand what it is that God is looking for. In no uncertain terms, Titus is told what he "must teach" people at various stages of life. Older men receive a set of instructions, as do older women, younger women and younger men. The older women are to train the younger ones. Slaves (employees) are to serve faithfully in their roles as well.
The specifics of these commands can be summed up fairly easily -- self-controlled, reverent, respectful, full of integrity and trustworthy should describe every follower of Jesus, regardless of gender and age. These are characteristics that should apply to us all. Why? Because the "grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men (people). It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives".
Following Jesus, having the characteristics of an authentic disciple of His, is not something we can accomplish on our own. But it's also critical that we know and seek to teach others what authentic discipleship should look like on the outside as He works on our insides.
At the same time, in Titus 2 we see that we have a very practical role in helping people understand what it is that God is looking for. In no uncertain terms, Titus is told what he "must teach" people at various stages of life. Older men receive a set of instructions, as do older women, younger women and younger men. The older women are to train the younger ones. Slaves (employees) are to serve faithfully in their roles as well.
The specifics of these commands can be summed up fairly easily -- self-controlled, reverent, respectful, full of integrity and trustworthy should describe every follower of Jesus, regardless of gender and age. These are characteristics that should apply to us all. Why? Because the "grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men (people). It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives".
Following Jesus, having the characteristics of an authentic disciple of His, is not something we can accomplish on our own. But it's also critical that we know and seek to teach others what authentic discipleship should look like on the outside as He works on our insides.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)