Memorable Words Hebrews
Hebrews 2:8b -9 ESV
Hebrews 11:1 ESV
Hebrews 3:1-2 ESV
Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV
Hebrews 4:14-16 The Message
Ephesians 3:20 NLT
Matthew 7:7 (Ask and Receive)
The book of Hebrews is beautifully written and filled with complex theology.
From the late 1st Century it was thought that Hebrews was written by Paul, but many experts in modern times who study the text do not believe Paul is the author. The main reason is the style of writing is very different from Paul’s other works. Some suggest it was written by Priscilla who traveled with Paul, or Luke who wrote the Gospel of Luke.
Because no author is listed, that remains a mystery.
According to various sources, the book of Hebrews could have been written in Hebrew and translated to Greek.
We do know that the book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who followed Jesus.
The theology in Hebrews is somewhat complex and thought provoking. I did study the book of Hebrews in Seminary and I remember looking at the complex writing style. The writing style is unlike many other New Testament books.
The book of Hebrews focuses primarily on Jesus, the Son and who Jesus was and is…heir, king, apostle, high priest, faithful one, and without sin.
According Hebrews 2:8b-9 we are told, “Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.”
God the Father put His Son above all things and the author of Hebrews stated all things have been put in subjection to Jesus. However, the author points out to the audience that there are elements that are ‘now and not yet’ seen. In other words we see now (and we believe) but there will come a time when everything will be revealed and will be in subjection to Jesus.
The now and not yet here is touched on later in Hebrews 11:1 when the author wrote, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Faith is real.
We hope in faith.
We have conviction of it.
We do not see it.
But Faith is still real.
Scripture tells us God put everything under Jesus and in His control.
We don’t see everything yet but we know Jesus came and He was faithful.
Jesus was faithful, He came to earth, He revealed truth, He died and He conquered death through His resurrection.
In Hebrews 3:1-2 we are told of the apostle and high priest who was faithful, “Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house.”
The comparison of faithfulness of the apostle and high priest was to Moses the faithful one of old who stood before Yahweh God on the Mount to receive the commandments of God.
The key element of the comparison was that the book of Hebrews was written to the Hebrew people who understood the importance of the Holy moment when Moses received the words from God on the mountain.
This Holy moment revealed the nature and character of God.
When Jesus/God came He was mercy and grace. In Hebrews 4:14-16 we are told, “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Because Jesus was, is, and will be merciful, grace is given freely to us.
I love Hebrews 4:14-16 in The Message translation, “Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.”
Jesus experienced everything we experience except the sin. Jesus came to earth and was without sin. We know that from Hebrews 4:16 that Jesus is there for us.
So…I have what some people might think is a silly example of something that just happened. Today.
I just moved to a new town and everything is new. A few days ago I had a problem with a car. It’s a great car, but it’s 19 years old (very low mileage and in near perfect condition). The car needed to go to the shop which is several miles away from where I live.
Later today or tomorrow I need to pick up the car. I checked nearby shuttles and there was a sign up sheet where I live, but I had a question. No one was around to answer my question.
I asked God to help me get my question answered.
Then I ran into a new friend I just met. Well actually, my dog made friends with her two dogs. All three are male dogs so they don’t always get along with other male dogs but these three dogs were instant friends.
I mentioned I was trying to figure out the shuttle system so I could go get my car when it’s ready.
Then she told me the dealership (it’s a very large dealership) has a shuttle that will come get me.
Whoa.
Now THAT’S an answer to prayer. I’d actually categorize that as mercy because by definition mercy is compassion or forgiveness.
Now, I’ve known folks who would say we shouldn’t expect God to fix trivial problems but as I read scripture, nothing that concerns us is too trivial for God. Indeed, Ephesians 3:20 says, “God is a competent Father. He can handle any problem you give him. Nothing is beyond his ability or his resources. No request is too big or too small.”
God IS interested in the details of our lives. Whether the details are about eternal mercy and grace or today’s tiny detail that I have a problem with, GOD can handle every problem.
Now that my friends is mercy and grace. Whether it refers to eternal grace and mercy or it refers to how I can get transportation to get to my car, God is there for me.
God IS there for you. God cares about the details of our lives.
You CAN count on it!
Spiritual Practice: Details
What small detail can God help you with today? Ask and you will receive (Matthew 7:7).
In God, Deborah
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