"In the past God spoke...in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by (in) his Son,..through whom he made the universe." (Hebrews 1:1, 2- NIV)
I read through Hebrews today. If you have never done that, you cannot image the blessing, impartation, the power of the, "two-edged sword." A simple forgoing of a favorite TV show would do it. Illustration: I had a 1968 muscle car. Because of my schooling and increasing pastoral duties, I had to trade it in. When I was transferring my "stuff" from the 327 cubic inch, 325 hp vehicle to the little 62 hp gas saver, the young mechanic said something that was painful. "You're trading that for that?!?"
Back to our text-- The introduction to the Book of Hebrews in the Broadman and Holman NKJV Bible is a good summary of the Book. "Many Jewish believers, having stepped out of Judaism into Christianity, want to reverse their course in order to escape persecution by their countrymen. The writer of Hebrews exhorts them to 'go on to perfection' (6:10). His appeal is based on the superiority of Christ over the Judaic system. Christ is better than the angels, for they worship Him. He is better than Moses, for He created him. He is better than the Aaronic priesthood, for His sacrifice was once for all time. He is better than the Law, for He mediates a better covenant. In short, there is more to be gained in Christ than to be lost in Judaism. Pressing on in Christ produces tested faith, self-discipline, and a visible love seen in good works."
The theme of Hebrews is, "better"---------------- "best" is implied. Hebrews is a headache for academics, Muslims, and anyone else who cannot come to grips with the reality of Who Jesus Christ is. Just in the first chapter, we hear Father saying of Jesus, "Let all God's angels worship him....Your throne, O God, will last forever....In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands." Now if this does not "make your day," whatever seems to is pure fanciful delusion. "Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus" (3:1). There are just no better, "thoughts."
Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for the blessing this morning of the fullness of Your Word. Amen.
********************************
Bonhoeffer Quote: "The proclamation of grace has its limits. Grace may not be proclaimed to anyone who does not recognize or distinguish or desire it....The world upon whom grace is thrust as a bargain will grow tired of it, and it will not only trample upon the Holy, but also will tear apart those who force it on them."
I read through Hebrews today. If you have never done that, you cannot image the blessing, impartation, the power of the, "two-edged sword." A simple forgoing of a favorite TV show would do it. Illustration: I had a 1968 muscle car. Because of my schooling and increasing pastoral duties, I had to trade it in. When I was transferring my "stuff" from the 327 cubic inch, 325 hp vehicle to the little 62 hp gas saver, the young mechanic said something that was painful. "You're trading that for that?!?"
Back to our text-- The introduction to the Book of Hebrews in the Broadman and Holman NKJV Bible is a good summary of the Book. "Many Jewish believers, having stepped out of Judaism into Christianity, want to reverse their course in order to escape persecution by their countrymen. The writer of Hebrews exhorts them to 'go on to perfection' (6:10). His appeal is based on the superiority of Christ over the Judaic system. Christ is better than the angels, for they worship Him. He is better than Moses, for He created him. He is better than the Aaronic priesthood, for His sacrifice was once for all time. He is better than the Law, for He mediates a better covenant. In short, there is more to be gained in Christ than to be lost in Judaism. Pressing on in Christ produces tested faith, self-discipline, and a visible love seen in good works."
The theme of Hebrews is, "better"---------------- "best" is implied. Hebrews is a headache for academics, Muslims, and anyone else who cannot come to grips with the reality of Who Jesus Christ is. Just in the first chapter, we hear Father saying of Jesus, "Let all God's angels worship him....Your throne, O God, will last forever....In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands." Now if this does not "make your day," whatever seems to is pure fanciful delusion. "Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus" (3:1). There are just no better, "thoughts."
Father, in Jesus' Name, thank You for the blessing this morning of the fullness of Your Word. Amen.
********************************
Bonhoeffer Quote: "The proclamation of grace has its limits. Grace may not be proclaimed to anyone who does not recognize or distinguish or desire it....The world upon whom grace is thrust as a bargain will grow tired of it, and it will not only trample upon the Holy, but also will tear apart those who force it on them."
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
