I read Hebrews Chapter two tonight, and I cannot write this blog without confessing a tid bit of my human nature. I began to get really flustered and kinda discouraged because, in all honesty, the first paragraph seemed to be over my head... and I JUST DIDN'T GET IT. Do you ever have those times when reading your bible and you feel like you have no idea what God is saying in a particular verse? Well, that is completely normal, and natural. I'm certain that if you are steadfast in trying to understand whether or not that means seeking other materials, or asking a pastor or friend, the Lord will speak. Our humanity oftentimes gets in the way, and that is ok. So, verse 1-5 i read, and did not understand. I continued through the chapter, and the second paragraph shed light on the first, but if you are reading this, and would like to offer me some insight on the first five verses, I'd really love to hear the Lord speak through you :)
As i mentioned in my first post on Hebrews, this letter is written to the Jewish Christians undergoing persecution. The writer encourages them right of the bat to be careful what all they listen to in order to keep a straight path and keep their eyes upon the Lord. To the Jewish Christians this message is referring to a completely different media than us. What does this mean for us? Be careful what all you listen to and believe. I've been told by several mentors to not believe what they are saying just because, but to research it and dig deeper on my own. Of course, being critical has some negativity, but it is a good tool for filtering out the negativity and the things that could cause us to drift away. By definition, the word critical means "to call attention to flaws." If someone who is teaching/preaching to you, identifying flaws is certainly justified. This verse also applies to the language, music, people, etc. that we surround our lives with. I've heard it said once that your surroundings become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, and eventually, you words become your character. Ask yourself when you hear something that isn't Godly or righteous, is it worth it? is this building up the kingdom of God, or tearing it down? because there is no in between.
I kind of got off on a tangent there, because none of that was in my notes, but we will now move on ;)
The first passage goes on with another question: how do we receive salvation from all of this disobedience that WILL infiltrate our lives and deems us worth of eternal separation from God?
In verse five, we are told the answer to this question. Recall chapter one... the chapter that proclaims the superiority of Jesus over the angels, the One who sits at the right hand of God. Well, this same Jesus took on flesh. He lowered himself in order to taste death for all mankind. He was confronted with temptation, felt the pain of the flesh, felt the sadness for his friend Lazarus, and was hung on the cross. Hebrews points out that He lowered himself just below the angles in order to die for us so that he could call us his brothers (and sisters). Not sure if you are aware, but that includes you. Have you accepted that gift, today? Do you have a relationship with this God who hung on a cross by nails through his hands and feet?
Jesus is not ashamed to call those who have a relationship with Him his brothers and sisters. In fact, he came down to the earth simply for that purpose. To make us whole again. To fill the void that you try to fill with so many other relationships: drugs, sex, alcohol, fancy clothes, pretty jewelry, nice cars, big houses, athletic children, smart children, TV shows, social circles, the list goes on. Which of these are your God? Can you say without a shadow of a doubt that you will be rejoicing with me and my brothers and sisters in heaven? Maybe you can say that, but is He your #1? Do you thank Him for saving you daily? Do you live for Him? I love my Jesus, and I am a filthy sinner deserving of hell; the Lord's grace (undeserving favor) has SAVED me from the pits of hell. I will be with Him when he calls me home! AMEN!
Hebrews continues to remind us that Jesus has been tempted like us, and He should be the One we turn to when we realize that sin is attacking us. When satan moves in to steal, kill, and destroy, call upon the Lord to help you! Your friends may be able to offer you peaceful words, but it runs out. The comfort from Jesus is like no other. Please, my dear friends, turn around. Turn your back to Satan, not to the one who loves you. Satan wants you to suffer. He wants you to feel like that sin is unforgivable, but guess what... IT'S NOT! Jesus will help you conquer that sin, and take it out of your life so that you can live a life more fulfilled!
Before I stop preaching to you, I must point out that a life hand in hand with Jesus is not always easy. It is not going to be "perfect," persecution will come. I have one thing to say to that: " 2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." You can find that in James 1:2-3. James is a good read, for sure.
Thank you for taking the time to read, if you have any questions, comments, or rebuttals, feel free to message or email me.
I love you!
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2 comments:
I always find it helpful to consult other versions of the Bible when I don't quite get something... I love my parallel Bible and the many versions that I keep around my room.
In 'The Message' the verses are translated as this...
Hebrews 2
"1-4It's crucial that we keep a firm grip on what we've heard so that we don't drift off. If the old message delivered by the angels was valid and nobody got away with anything, do you think we can risk neglecting this latest message, this magnificent salvation? First of all, it was delivered in person by the Master, then accurately passed on to us by those who heard it from him. All the while God was validating it with gifts through the Holy Spirit, all sorts of signs and miracles, as he saw fit."
I feel that this is saying WAKE UP! Pay attention to the gift of salvation that I so freely give... if people of the world believe other sayins and deception so easily why then, can't they believe the truth of God's salvation? I believe this would also lend meaning towards the question of once saved always saved... and several other topics.
:)
I agree with ya, keri!
This passage has so much meaning and significance. To say it means only one thing or another would be dismissing the "liveliness" of the word.
Thanks for your insight. The only other version I had handy was NIV.. so i used it, but really didn't like that translation.
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