Tag: King Jesus

The Pastoral Heart

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HIGHLIGHT

Colossians 2:1–5 (ESV): 1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

EXPLAIN

Paul began describing his ministry to the church in Colossians 1:24. These verses complete his thoughts. Paul explained how his suffering for Christ was a participation in Christ’s sufferings, his ministry to the church was a stewardship granted by Christ, and the effort he expended in ministry was due to the power of Christ flowing through him.

In our highlighted verses, we now see both Paul’s pain and Paul’s pleasure in ministry. In Colossians 2:1-4, Paul noted his struggle in ministry for these believers was a passion for three things.

Paul did not expressly state how he struggled for the believers. As he clearly noted, he had never met these Christians. He did not serve in their community. Therefore, it would seem best to understand his struggle as one that occurred primarily in prayer and was expressed in both his feelings of love and anxiety for this church.

What was Paul’s struggle in prayer for this church about? His passion was that they might

1. Be encouraged in their faith, v. 2.

Colossians 2:2 (ESV): 2 that their hearts may be encouraged

Paul’s desire for their encouragement begs the question, “Why might the believers be discouraged?” There were several possible causes of discouragement. First, the pressure and difficulties of living in a sinful world can sap our energy and joy. Second, the attacks of the enemy of our soul can drive fear and desperation. Third, the false teaching of that influential individual(s) who tried to persuade the believers that Christ alone was insufficient hope for salvation would rob the believers of their joy. If we resort to any foundation for hope besides Christ, we will lose our joy of living. But even if we remain grounded in our faith, combating those who teach spiritual error can lead to discouragement.

Therefore, Paul struggled, praying, desiring, hoping, seeking assurance that these believers would be encouraged in their faith, emboldened to live for God in a threatening, dismissive world.

Today as then, the Church of God desperately needs encouragement in the faith. The sources and avenues by which the enemies of God seek to discredit the gospel have only grown in the past couple thousand years. Furthermore, while followers of Jesus are actively persecuted around the world, even in the western world there seems to be a rising intolerance and even hatred for the Christian.

Furthermore, the distractions of the world have increased, and when we do not focus on Christ for our satisfaction and joy we can easily lose our way and become greatly discouraged. We should recognize that this discouragement may not be marked, at least at the first, by sadness and despair. Rather, we can be discouraged from living passionately for Jesus, staying vitally connected to the Vine, supported by the fellowship of the Church. Then, over time we find ourselves like a ship without a rudder, driven and tossed by wind and waves.

Paul struggled in prayer, desiring that the believers be encouraged in their faith and that they would also…

2. Be united in their faith, v. 2.

Colossians 2:2 (ESV): 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love

When I was young, I remember some crocheting frames that my mom had us boys put yarn into to make handmade potholders. As I grew older, I learned how to very clumsily sew a button back onto a dress shirt. Fortunately for my thumbs, that knowledge has not been tested too often. Needle pricks can hurt! To me, how a sewing machine inserts thread into a garment is a mystery, and I have witnessed how it can become a huge mess if interrupted from its proper functioning.

Like thin threads of cloth intertwined together become a strong bond that securely fastens various pieces of fabric together, the individual Christian is much weaker on his or her own than when inserted, surrounded and bonded with a band of believers.

I recently listened to a podcast in which the guest astutely noted that the COVID pandemic has devastated relationships within the church and without in part because we began to look at everyone, even family and friends, as a potential “enemy”. Could they be carrying this deadly, invisible virus?

The pandemic, however, is only one of several causes for fraying faith fellowships today. Paul struggled in prayer for a church threatened from without and within, seeking God’s grace to unite the church in love… that they might be knit together in love. Even so, our passionate prayer should be the same. We must pray that less important doctrinal and practical matters do not hinder us from unity on essentials. We must wrestle in prayer than politics might not supplant our love for God and for other people. We must strive in prayer, asking God that the myriad of opportunities for our careers and for pleasure available to us in the world today do not dilute our passion for the people of God.

How might our world be changed if the local church were to be knit together in love! The individual believer would be strengthened by his band of brothers who care, challenge, and correct one another. The family would be strengthened in a community of families and individuals all striving to love God and help each other overcome the challenges of life. The church would become a greater fellowship, as its meetings focused on loving and serving each other, rather than merely a passive time of sitting and watching a few perform for God. The different local churches would see the vital ministries of their sister congregations. Rather than operate in silos, they would band together to impact their communities with the love of Jesus.

Spiritually, we have a great enemy who would seek to tear us apart. Culturally, the headwinds of a post-pandemic, individualistic, personal techology-driven world discourage deeper fellowship with others. Economically, our time, energy, and money may be adversely impacted if we pursue developing bands of brothers and sisters. Yet, the benefits of such Christian fellowship are so rewarding. Therefore, Paul struggled in prayer for the believers to be knit together in love.

In prayer, Paul also sought that the believers might…

3. Grow deeper in the assurance of their faith, vv. 2-3.

Colossians 2:2–3 (ESV): 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

The occasion for this letter was an influential individual(s) teaching the believers that there was some hidden mystery, some secrets to the gospel that could not be known by merely placing one’s faith in Jesus Christ. Devotion to that teacher and his teachings was necessary for full salvation.

Today, the believer faces a similar temptation and delusion. Knowledge and understanding is highly valued. We think that if we can somehow learn another truth from God’s word, another secret, another practical tip, our lives will be changed for the better.

Of course, we should grow in our knowledge of God’s Word. There are lessons and tips that may help us in our faith. The danger is that our faith becomes all about spiritual knowledge rather than Christ. Scripture memorization is vital, but hiding God’s Word in our heart should not become a substitute for knowing the God who wrote the Word. Biblical history and facts can greatly aid our understanding of scriptural truth, but we miss the point if we do not grow in our knowledge of the God of the ages.

Paul prayed for the believers to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ.

The full assurance of understanding and knowledge of God’s mystery is Christ. Ephesians 3:6 notes that the mystery of the gospel is that Gentiles are included in God’s plan of salvation partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Colossians 1:27 says that the riches of the glory of the mystery is Christ in you. Now, Paul emphasizes the God’s mystery is Christ.

For the detail-oriented person, this might seem like a contradiction or a moving target. But the general truth is that the mystery is Christ’s salvation offered to all freely.

In Colossians 2 Paul thus prayed for the believers to gain full assurance and knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ. He would warn them in the following section of his letter not to allow anyone to mislead them and ensnare them spiritually by philosophy and tradition. The secret to spiritual growth is not understanding spiritual truth better or by following rituals and regulations. The secret of flourishing spirituality is knowing Christ deeply!

Indeed, Paul continued in Colossians 2:3 (ESV), saying: 3 in [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Anything and everything you need spiritually is found in Christ. Christ is not the beginning point of a fulfilled life. Life in Christ gives lasting fulfillment.

Some might feel, however, that simply knowing Christ as Lord and Savior is not enough. There has to be more, they think. The truth is, simply making a profession of faith in Christ is not enough.

Do not misunderstand. I am not saying we need to work for our salvation or somehow gain knowledge that is not found in Christ to truly be spiritual. This was precisely the error of those in Colossae, Galatia, etc. who sought to lead the Christians astray.

By saying that a profession of faith in Christ is not enough, I am simply saying there follows a life of faith in Christ that must be lived! 3 in [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Have we plumbed the depths of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge found in Christ? I know that I have not! Colossians 1:27 (ESV): The riches of the glory of this mystery … is Christ in you. Are you fully enjoying your spiritual wealth afforded by the abiding presence of Jesus within you? I know that I have not!

Therefore, our longing and prayer should not be for some secret that we can find through philosophy, science, or some other field. Rather, our deep desire should be to known and be known by our Lord and Savior more deeply and intimately than we have ever before experienced.

Paul’s Joy

Colossians 2:4–5 (ESV): 4I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

While Paul struggled mightily in prayer for the Colossians Christians that they might be encouraged, united and have a greater assurance in their faith, Paul also expressed great joy. Despite the attempts of this influential individual(s), the Christians kept good order and remained firm in their faith.

This church did not allow the novel teachings of a few to destroy the unity of their church or undermine their leadership. They refused to cast away their hope in Christ. Rather, they sought the apostle’s confirmation of the Gospel.

Their example is a powerful testimony to us of how to respond when certain individuals or teachings seek to make inroads in the Church, teaching “new” ideas. Instead of casting away our faith quickly or allowing chaos to reign, we must carefully study God’s Word to confirm what is truth. If the teaching highlights truth that had been hidden before, we should accept it in its proper place; if these ideas are in opposite to clear, biblical doctrine, we must reject them.

APPLY

For those of us called to ministry, this scripture speaks to us powerfully about the conflict in prayer required for God’s people, regardless of whether the people in one’s setting are in danger of being deceived by false doctrine or if they are merely under the attack of our spiritual enemy, as all believers are.

We must pray for encouragement in the faith, unity, and a greater assurance through a deeper knowledge of Christ himself. We should also rejoice as we see those under our care and ministry standing firm for Jesus.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing to us your mystery, which is Christ. Help us to devote our lives to a greater knowledge of your Son. Encourage our faith. Unite us in our love for you. May our assurance of faith be like a great shield protecting us from all fiery darts of those who oppose you. We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Christ Above All

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HIGHLIGHT

Colossians 1:15–20 (ESV):

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

EXPLAIN

In the Old Testament, a key truth was that no one could see God and live. At Mt. Sinai where God’s presence came near, the Israelites were warned not even to touch the mountain or they would die. Moses, who enjoyed God’s presence more closely than any other Old Testament hero, was only allowed to see God’s glory fading, after God passed him by. And then, Moses was so affected that his face literally shone from being in the presence of God.

Along with this key truth was the principle and command that no images should be made to picture God. The Israelites came under severe discipline for worshipping the two golden calves, which Aaron presented as the gods who brought them up from Egypt. In other words, Aaron tried to keep the Israelites from totally abandoning Yahweh during Moses’ absence by proclaiming physical objects as the image of God. God was not amused.

One of the amazing, even startling, realizations about who Jesus, the Son of God, is that he is the image of invisible God (Ephesians 4:15)! For the Jews, no doubt this concept may have been troubling in that for centuries they had been taught not to make an image of God, and that they could not see God and survive. These objections, of course, would be in addition to other objections such as who Jesus’ father was, where Jesus came from and more. An objection that must still be handled even today is the question of how Jesus can be fully God and fully man.

Accepting this wonderful truth and reality, however, results in a religion like no other. When we realize that God came to humanity by taking on flesh, it astounds us. We are astounded by the lengths to which God would go to demonstrate his love to us, and we are amazed that God could take on so much of humanity without tarnishing his holiness.

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

All that God is, Jesus is. Jesus is not a lesser form of God. Even though he is the Son of God, he is not inferior to the Father. Yes, we believe in a Trinitarian view of God – that God is Three in One – three Persons in one Godhead. Yet we must also be careful not to compartmentalize our understanding of God such that the activity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are somehow separated in our minds. In Genesis 1:26 (ESV), we read

26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.

All members of the Trinity were active in the creation of the world. Pre-incarnate Christ created our universe! Isn’t it mind-boggling that the Creator of the world would be born a human baby and placed into a cattle trough? During his ministry on earth, Christ Jesus sought to glorify the Father, but he freely acknowledged that the Father would glorify him. In our text, Paul emphasized the preeminence of Christ to combat those who were teaching rules and regulations and their mysterious knowledge as essential to salvation. Jesus is God; we can rest assured in this assertion, for it is fact.

Paul’s assertion that Christ created the world makes sense, when we remember the Trinitarian implications of Genesis 1:26. But the following truth of Colossians 1:17 is still startling.

17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

First, we must emphasize that Christ is eternal – he has no beginning and no end. He did not begin to exist when he was conceived in Mary’s womb. Second, and more startling is the concept that if Christ did not exist, this world would fall apart at the seams. If Christ did not actively assert power to keep this world intact, our universe would spiral into chaos. Thus, the creative power of God, and especially of the Son, is seen not only in the moment of Creation, but also the maintenance of the world.

Genesis 1:1–2 (ESV): 1 In the beginning, … 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep.

Paul’s words in Colossians 1:17 suggests that without Christ’s ongoing creative powers, the world would return to that chaos.

Returning to verse 16, Paul wrote: all things were created through him and for him. The purpose of Creation is found in Christ – in pleasing Christ, in fulfilling Christ’s purpose, in glorifying Christ.

This thought is explained more in verse 18:

18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

The church is that great assembly of called out people, called to be holy in the midst of an unholy world, called to share the good news to a world full of desperation. But this verse contains an important reminder: the purpose of the church is NOT the church; the church of the church is to glorify Christ and fulfill his purposes. Jesus is the head of the church, not any person, local church, or group of local churches. While we should be part of a local church, which may be part of an association of churches, our loyalty should always be to Christ. We look to Him for our direction for life and ministry. We find satisfaction in accomplishing His objectives. We glorify Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords.

To do this is only right and logical,

19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.

Jesus is fully God and fully human. Jesus is not some lesser God than the Father. Rather, in Jesus the Father is fully manifested. This does not mean that Jesus and the Father are the same; Jesus is not the Father. But Jesus is fully God. Our Trinitarian concept of God is not fully explainable to the human mind, but the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three different Persons, yet one God.

The important application for Paul’s thought here is that Jesus is fully God; therefore, He is worthy of our praise and obedience. In the Old Testament, we read of King Saul and his son Jonathan who both commanded armies for Israel. But Saul was king. And while Jonathan’s solo charge up the cliff against the Philistines was the right thing to do and necessary to break the awful stalemate and malaise of the war, Jonathan’s subservient role was displayed later as he came under judgment for disobeying the king’s orders (even though those orders were foolish). In contrast, the Christian does not need to worry that by following Christ’s example, he will be led away from the Father’s will. Jesus assured his disciples, John 10:30 (ESV): “I and the Father are one.”

Even more specifically, Paul asserted Jesus is fully God in order to explain Christ’s ministry of reconciliation.

19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

As has often been pictured in methods of sharing the Good News, Jesus is our bridge to God. Our sin created a chasm over which we could not cross to the Father, but by Jesus’ incarnation, suffering, death, and resurrection, there is a Way – the only Way – back to God.

APPLY

We stated this earlier, and the point is plainly obvious from the text, but the point of our passage is that Christ must be, should be, and would be preeminent in our lives and church. Anything that would usurp Jesus’ authority or our attention from serving Him and giving Him glory is an imposter.

This is a potent warning in our celebrity culture today. So often, we go to church or serve or worship because of the pastor, a worship leader, a comfortable setting or something else. How ridiculous is this! Any honor and glory we might receive in service to King Jesus comes only because of the grace of God! How dare we usurp his praise and authority?!

In the past few years, a shocking number of high-profile – and even lesser known – leaders in various churches have fallen from grace, have been exposed for hypocrisy and more. Can we connect these tumbles from grace to an unhealthy, even idolatrous, preoccupation of people – and God’s refusal to allow man to have the preeminence over Christ’s Church?

Whether this conclusion is warranted or not, it is wisdom – and only right – that we acknowledge Christ is Lord of His Church, as well as the rightful Ruler of the Universe. We must resist the worldly way of exalting people, denominations (or even organizational affiliations), local churches, … or anything in competition to Christ.

He only is Lord!

How do we keep Christ preeminent in our church and our lives?

  1. We worship only to glorify Christ, not to celebrate others, be with friends, make connections, etc.
  2. We seek God’s direction for our lives and our church’s ministry, rather than merely making decisions on what we think is best.
  3. We recognize Christ’s creative and sustaining power and seek to fulfill our role in His purposes as the Body of Christ, the Church of God.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, may I make Christ preeminent in my day, my family, my worship, and my Christ. May I follow His leading and serve as a visible extension of Christ in my world. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Image by Germán R from Pixabay

He is king and will be king

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HIGHLIGHT

Zechariah 14:9 (ESV): 9 And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.

EXPLAIN

The last chapter of Zechariah describes the coming day of the Lord. The imagery is similar to what John describes in Revelation.

Zechariah says that all the nations will gather to battle against Jerusalem. God will fight against those nations. His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives which will be split in two.

The rest of the chapter describes both the devastation God will visit upon his enemies, but also the wonderful reality that God’s people will experience as God reigns supreme.

APPLY

As I have read the various minor prophets this year, I have noted that while many of them speak words of judgment, many also end with glorious promises for God’s people.

This sinful world is storing up judgment that will be fierce, but for those of us who have surrendered to the King of kings, our future is glorious.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for the hope that while things may look grim today, you are ultimately in control and you will bring righteousness, truth and peace to all the world. Amen.

His kingdom is eternal

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HIGHLIGHT

Psalm 146:3–4 (ESV): 3 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. 4 When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.

EXPLAIN

This psalm is a short song of praise to God, expressing the psalmist’s intention to praise God as long as he lives.

There is one tension, one word of warning the psalmist gives as he sings. He warns everyone who listens not to put their trust in those who are in power, especially those in political power.

Kings, politicians, and other leaders do not give true salvation. When they die, their body returns to the earth and their plans are finished. Contextually for us today, when a politician loses an election, their agenda is finished and replaced by whoever won the election.

When my family lived on Cayman Brac, I was talking to a local about various buildings, projects, that were in the works. He ruefully told me that every time there was an election and someone else gained the ministry that oversaw that project, the purpose for the project would change.

This phenomenon is observable and has been repeated numerous times throughout the world as presidents, kings, dictators, governors, mayors and more lose power and are replaced by a successor.

In contrast to princes or politicians whose power is limited, blessed or truly happy is the one who puts their hope in God, the creator of the world. What is the confidence of those who trust in God?

  • God is faithful.
  • God gives justice to the oppressed.
  • God provides food for the hungry.
  • God sets prisoners free.
  • God opens the eyes of the blind.
  • God exalts those who have humbled, enslaved, by society.
  • God loves the righteous.
  • God watches over immigrants and foreigners.
  • God fights for the widow and fatherless.
  • God ruins those whose way is wicked.

APPLY

I used to listen with great zeal to political radio commentary. I am still very interested and concerned about political issues. But a danger we face is believing a certain politician or political party will bring “salvation” to our country.

Salvation belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ. All kingdoms of this world, no matter how great, are tarnished by sin and injustice because humanity is corrupted by sin.

But the follower of Jesus belongs to the Kingdom of God, in which there is true salvation, righteousness, justice, and mercy. So I choose to seek the prosperity and expansion of the kingdom of Jesus.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, I praise you because you are God, King of the universe. Your power does not wane, you will never lose an election or abdicate the throne. I can trust you and live securely with my hope in you, for you are eternal and you are good. Help me to promote the good news of your kingdom, that Jesus Christ came to save sinners. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Terrible but good

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HIGHLIGHT

Revelation 15:3–4 (ESV): 3 And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! 4 Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

EXPLAIN

Revelation 14 begins with the 144,000 now in Heaven with the Lamb, who is standing. Three angels then fly overhead with messages of warning for the inhabitants of the earth.

Then, in Revelation 14:14 we see one who would appear to be Jesus?, who looks like a son of man, seated on the cloud with a golden crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. It is time to harvest the earth.

In Revelation 15, seven angels come with seven plagues which are the last and which consummate God’s wrath. But before the first plague is poured out, we see all those who resisted the beast and its image, but instead remained faithful to Christ standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands.

They sing the song of our highlighted text.

APPLY

Truly, God’s acts are amazing. Whether you think of Creation, of Calvary, of God’s dealings with humanity between those events or since, we must say that God’s ways are much higher than our ways. God deserves all our glory and praise.

But at the end of time, as God proves himself holy and sovereign and carries out judgment on sinful humanity, surely we will glorify God – we must glorify him – for He will prove himself much greater, wiser, and holier than we.

I am reminded of the line in C.S. Lewis’ allegory, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in which the children quiz one of Narnia’s creatures about Aslan, the lion who represents Christ. The creature describes Aslan with terrifying imagery. The children are afraid and seek reassurance. Is Aslan good? Yes, the creature assures him, though Aslan is terrible, fearsome to behold and mighty in his acts, Aslan is very, very good.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for your great grace that redeems us from sin, adopts us into your family, and prepares us for eternity. May I always approach you with reverence and gratitude, assured of your goodness and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Why Jesus lives today

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HIGHLIGHT

Hebrews 7:25 (ESV): 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

EXPLAIN

Melchizedek is a curious figure in the Old Testament whose appearance is extremely brief, but whose example is extremely important for us today in understanding who Jesus is.

Little is known about Melchizedek. We don’t know who his parents were, when he was born or when he died. Melchizedek was a priest of God, and in Abraham’s time received tithe offerings from the great father of our faith.

The Hebrews writer used Melchizedek then as an illustration of Jesus, the Son of God, who is eternal without beginning or end, who was not part of the Levitical priesthood, but made the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

The statement of our highlighted text is at once glorious, and shocking. Jesus is able to save to the uttermost, but also … Jesus always lives to … in order to … make intercession for us.

APPLY

Was Jesus’ victory over death limited to the purpose of intercession for us, strictly? Did not Jesus conquer death because God found in him the perfect, sinless sacrifice for the sins of the world? Was not Jesus the Son of God who is eternal? Could death ever have truly hoped to keep Christ in the grave? Does not Jesus live today in anticipation of being recognized fully as King over all the universe in the near future?

Then again, it is mind-boggling to us to understand how Jesus, Son of God and Son of man, could ever die.

Consider again that the whole reason for Jesus’ sacrifice and death of himself was an intercession for us before God that we might receive God’s pardon and be restored in relationship to him. Furthermore, Jesus continues to make intercession for us. We are weak and human and fail God from time to time, but his one-time sacrifice still pleads the blood before the Father.

It seems audacious to say, to hope, to believe…, but Jesus lives eternally to make intercession for me and you.

He ever lives above / For me to intercede / His all-redeeming love / His precious blood to plead. / His blood was shed for all our race, / And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

– Verse 2, “Arise, My Soul, Arise”

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Son who became one of us so that he might experience our life fully, yet without sin. Thank you for his obedience in suffering and dying on the cross. Thank you for raising him from the dead, victorious over sin, so that he might ever live to plead for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The privilege of sharing

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HIGHLIGHT

Hebrews 2:10–11 (ESV): 10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,

EXPLAIN

Hebrews 2 begins with the challenge that we must pay closer attention to the gospel so we do not drift from this great salvation. The writer then spoke of the majesty ofJesus, Lord of the universe, who was made lower than angels for a little while so that he might taste death for everyone.

This was only proper so that the founder of our salvation might be made perfect through suffering. Indeed, both Jesus (who sanctifies) and his followers (who are sanctified) have one source.

We are brothers with Christ! Hebrews 3:14 says that we have come to share in Christ, “if … we hold our original confidence firm to the end.”

APPLY

Suffering is not an extraordinary experience for the follower of Jesus. Indeed, it was necessary for Jesus to suffer… and it is necessary for us to suffer as we follow him.

Suffering for Jesus does not mark us as under God’s displeasure; suffering enables us to share in Christ!

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of sharing in Christ. While I do not enjoy times of difficulty, may I see your hand in all seasons of life and live for your faithfully, holding on to the confidence of my salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The radiance of God’s glory

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HIGHLIGHT

Hebrews 1:3 (ESV): 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

EXPLAIN

The Hebrews writer proclaimed Jesus, the Son of God, as “better” throughout this letter. But even in the first sentences, we find this theme, as well. He immediately began to compare Jesus to angels, showing how these created beings are far inferior to the eternal Son of God.

Then, in Hebrews 1:10-12, the writer cites Psalm 102:25-27 to establish that Jesus laid the foundation of the earth and heavens at the beginning and even though the heavens and earth will perish, he will remain the same, his years having no end.

APPLY

It is truly amazing to consider that the “radiance of the glory of God” clothed himself in flesh to live among us. Even more, Jesus is the exact imprint of God’s nature. He upholds the universe by his power.

Yet Jesus willingly died in our place, taking the sins of all the world upon himself. Even more… Christ calls us, his followers, to be like him.

The exact imprint of God’s nature welcomes us… and expects us… to be changed by his grace so that we are an imitation of God’s holiness?!

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, I praise you for your wisdom and grace. You are so beyond us that we truly can only understand a little of your glory. Yet you willingly gave your only begotten Son so that we might know you. Thank you for the Light that has come into the world. Having received your light, may I be a light to this sin-darkened world for your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sent

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HIGHLIGHT

John 20:21 (ESV): 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

EXPLAIN

This is one of the first resurrection appearances of Jesus. John tells first of Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene near the tomb. Then, in the evening of that day, John says that Jesus appeared to the disciples while they were hiding in a locked room.

As Jesus was on trial before Pilate, the governor asked Jesus if he were King of the Jews. Jesus explained that his kingdom is not of this world, but Jesus had come into the world to bear witness of the truth (John 18:33-38).

Now King Jesus, having been resurrected from the dead, delegates his authority to his disciples (and by extension, all who follow him since) to go into the world bearing witness of the truth.

APPLY

We serve the King of kings. His kingdom is not of this world; therefore, we do not fight and manipulate affairs of this world to force God’s agenda upon those who do not believe him.

Rather, we are commissioned by the King to go out and share the truth: Jesus is King!

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, thank you for the mission you have entrusted to me and all your followers: to share the good news that Jesus is King. Help me to faithfully do my part in making disciples who make disciples of King Jesus. Amen.