Jesus Greater Than Moses

When I was looking at this I was surprised that they said Jesus was greater than Moses after they said that he was greater than angels. Then in studying I realized that the Jews saw Moses as the greatest.

There was so much that happened with Moses. He helped free the Israelites from slavery. He performed crazy miracles…the plagues against the Egyptians (with God’s power and direction.) He saw God and receiving the law from him.

I get it now. So dealing with the concept of someone being greater than Moses was difficult for them. And Jesus is much, much greater.

The Jews didn’t believe Moses. Even with all the miracles God had him perform and all the things God did, like the manna, and parting the red sea. Guiding them by day and by night.

God was furious with them because they had experienced him in their lives and yet they still chose to not believe. God called it wickedness. Ouch.

And how often do we doubt God after he has done numerous things in our lives. Plus we have his word.

In America, there are many that call themselves Christians. But we don’t know Christ very well. Our minds are not set on or focused on Christ. Our actions speak louder than words.

We are missing out on knowing Jesus unless we regularly are learning about him. God knows it is difficult to do this on our own. I’m sure that is why Hebrews tells us to encourage each other.

The word used here for encourage is “parakaleo” which John used in John 14:16 when referring to the Holy Spirit. And it means “come along side”.

We need each other. We need to focus
on Christ.

John MacArthur made this observation,
“Every meditation on Jesus’ person and his salvation will suggest more wisdom, new motives to love, confidence and obedience.” I don’t know about you, but I need that!

Living a life following Christ seems contrary because sin offers so much up front. The down side is sin never delivers. How long will we go before we face the reality that “instant gratification” doesn’t satisfy. Following Christ does fully satisfy. It may just take a little longer.

I just need you, Jesus! Help me know what that means. Help me continue to trust you as you guide my life, take care of my needs, and satisfy the deepest parts of my soul. Help me to understand you and know you more as I trust you.

I don’t want to miss an ounce of what you have in store for me. I love you. Amen!

Next weeks assignment:

Hebrews 4

How Great a Salvation

There is so much in here.

At the beginning of this chapter, the author encourages his readers that based on what Christ has done, it behooves them, it is necessary  for them to super abundantly to apply themselves to or to hold or cleave to, to devote thought & effort to this salvation, lest it slips their mind or carelessly passes them.  He did not want them to miss what Christ has done.  He was passionate to make sure they understood the gravity of continuing to gain God’s favor with their old way of life.

As I looked at this in relation to our lives, like the Jews,we had an old way of thinking.  A way that seemed right to us.  When we are presented with the gospel, sometimes people may think that it is a novel idea and miss how crucial the gospel is to their lives.

But on a level for Christians, it reminds me that we need to be diligent in renewing our minds.  At minimum, when we go back to our old way of doing business, we miss out on the blessings Christ has for us.  We unnecessarily carry burdens that he came to free us from.  Life has enough challenges on its own without us adding to it by trying to carry loads that he has offered to carry for us.

I was also convicted by the author’s passion to make sure these people did not miss this gospel.  Do I have a comfortable heart because I’m going to heaven, so I’m not as concerned about the eternal destiny of others in my life?  Do I share his passion?  Am I doing everything I can to draw others to God?

Jesus has had everything put under his authority…everything.  Remember, he set all that aside in order to come to earth.  He came to help us humans, not angels.  In order to help us, he had to be made like us.

In verse 9 it says that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.  When I first read that, it seemed odd to me.  How gracious is taking Christ’s life?  But then as I thought about it, that grace is for us.  And since Christ overcame death, his death was temporary.  The grace we receive is eternal.  And without his death, we have no hope.  Also, he is then crowned with glory and honor as a result of his death.

It also says that he was made perfect through suffering.  In the original is the term “leader of our salvation through sufferings to make perfect”  Unfortunately, without his suffering, he could not be our salvation.  Ouch!

He also calls us “brothers” because of his life on earth.  Jesus is my brother?  Wow!  Why should the creator of the universe want to be my brother?  Oh, the compassion of God is immeasurable!!

He doesn’t want us to be slaves to the fear of death.  How can people say that Jesus was just a “Good Teacher” or a “Prophet”?  Or even a lunatic.  Have you heard of a story of a lunatic whose focus was for the benefit of others?  I haven’t.  They are focused on themselves.

Jesus came so he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God.  The priest and the sacrifice.  As the priest, we can ALWAYS go to him and he will always appeal on our behalf.  As the sacrifice, we are in a right relationship with him.  And  because he wrestled with temptation, he understands when we are tempted.

What a gracious God we serve!

Lord, I am overwhelmed with you! Everything you do benefits your creation.  And you haven’t taken anything lightly.  You didn’t skip any steps.  What a remarkable God you are.  There is none like you!  There is none that relates to us like you do.  There is none worthy of praise, honor & glory.  I bow to you alone!  Thank you that as I imperfectly strive to serve you, you are there to grow me up and help me see Truth, mend my broken heart, restore my soul, and call me friend.  Thank you, Father!  I can’t wait to see what else you have in store for us in this book!  Amen

Next week’s schedule:

Hebrews 3

Coming soon

Sorry for the delayed post. I was out of town this weekend without cell service. Will post this weeks later today. 🙂

Jesus Superior to Angels

Hebrews was written primarily to Jews who came to accept Christ as their Messiah.

One commentary I read suggested that some of the recipients of this book may have been ‘priests who became obedient to the faith.’

I had never thought of that. But of course that makes sense. John 12:42&43 makes mention of leaders that believed Jesus:
Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out if the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

I don’t think I’ve ever noticed that before…that some of the leaders that were trying to discredit Jesus actually believed him.

And then in Acts 6:7:

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Really?? Wow! And they knew the law. Yet here in Hebrews, it seemed they were wrestling a bit with their new faith and Christ’s authority.

As I was thinking about what they were wrestling with it made me think about things I have fervently believed in my life that I later discovered were wrong. You’ve probably encountered this. For instance, doctrines that you were dogmatic about, old wive’s tales, the reality that your parents aren’t perfect…(though you are practically perfect, Mom. :-)).

Those times are tough. The internal wrestling that goes on have been brutal. But worth the ride. I can’t even imagine what these guys went through. Their whole life they studied the torah and the prophets and writings. Now this man, Jesus, shows up and sheds light on what they’ve been looking at for years.

Do this chapter is the first in a book of ‘better things’. Jesus is superior to angels in every way.

I got a little clearer picture of the purpose of angels. God uses them to minister to us and Jesus is there to put us permanently in a right relationship with God.

The idea that Jesus set aside his equality with God in order to come to earth as a man to ‘accomplish a full and final reconciliation of God and man’ is incredible. What a crazy choice…or that’s a lot of love.

Can you fathom that much love? Thank you, thank you.

Dear Jesus, I am amazed that you would come hang out with us, set aside your rightful place in the Kingdom long enough to live life as a man…a little lower than the angels, and be the final perfect sacrifice to satisfy God’s requirement for sin.

I have friends who are wrestling with this truth. Please show them your truth and give them peace.

Show me more as I look deeper. Help me as I go through my days to not lose sight of what you have done for me. Amen

Next week’s assignment:

Hebrews 2

have a blessed week, my friends!!

A New Covenant

Where did Christianity start? Is it just a New Testament idea? Has God changed?

There are so many questions the book of Hebrews addresses.

It expounds on some Old Testament passages. Why did Jesus Christ have to die on the cross? What does that really do for us? Who was this book written to? Why was it written?

How does this book affect my life?

I can’t wait to get into this book.

Hopefully you are getting excited, too.

Be sure to look at the “Study Tips” page on this blog

Study schedule:
May 5-12 – Hebrews 1
May 12-19 – Hebrews 2
May 19-26 – Hebrews 3
May 26 – June 2 – Hebrews 4
June 2-9 – Hebrews 5
June 9-16 – Hebrews 6
June 16-23 – vacation
June 23-30 – Hebrews 7
June 30 – July 7 – holiday
July 7-14 – Hebrews 8
July 14-21 – Hebrews 9
July 21-28 – Hebrews 10
July 28 – August 4 – Hebrews 11
August 4-11 – Hebrews 12
August 11-18 – Hebrews 13

Dear God, your word is life giving.
Help us grow in our relationship with you as we study Hebrews. We want to know you and experience you in our lives. We want your word and your Spirit to change us, to “metamorph” us to be more like you. Thank you for the Bible. Show us Truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen!