Part 2 of our devotional series in Hebrews…
Being on good terms with the Author
I’m reading a book at the moment called Time to Pray? by R.T. Kendall and he talks about the importance of being in a good place with God when coming to read the Bible. The words of scripture were written under the influence of the Holy Spirit and therefore it is only under the same influence that we can understand them. So before we go any further take some time to come into God’s presence, asking for forgiveness where you need it.
The Text
We’re skipping a couple of verses and heading straight for Hebrews 2:5-18. Give it a read.
Pick the verse that jumped out at you most and then write that verse down. If you can, put it somehwere where you’ll see it throughout the day and try and have that verse memorised before you go to bed. Test yourself in the morning!
Comment/Application
Chpater 2 follows on from Chapter 1 in theme in that it is establishing the superiority and supremacy of Christ as being the way in which God accomplishes his ultimate victory – the restoration of man to Himself. Whereas in the past God’s people received messages from the law, prophets, and even angels, now they have received the better messenger – namely, Jesus.
The thing that struck me most about this passage is the gritty reality that mixes with the amazing statements about Jesus. In chapter 1 we are told how Jesus is superior to angels and in chapter 3 he is shown to be greater than Moses. Yet sandwiched in between is the recognition that he was also ‘made like his brothers’ and that it was through suffering that he is ‘able to help those who are being tempted’ and so utlimately ‘bring many sons to glory’. Jesus roughed it with us. He came down to earth and lived among us so that we could be grafted into God’s family and called brothers (and sisters) of the Son of God. It was through his submission and humilty that we have been saved, because it was only by becoming like man in every way that he could act as sacrifice for our sins and so make us right with God (verse 17).
So what does that mean for us? Well if Jesus had to humble himself and sumbit to God’s will then so do we – not just because Jesus is our example, but because it’s the best way!
So what does that look like? It doesn’t necessarily mean being and doing something you don’t want to be/do. It simply means asking what God wants for you and your life and then agreeing to it – even if it isn’t what you thought you wanted. It’s about a shift of perspective: rather than having your choices that you then fit God into, you have God’s choices that you then work yourself around.
But be careful not to fall into the trap of false humilty. This is where you demean yourself or don’t speak about your gifts, dreams, talents because you think you’re being proud if you do. (In fact, you’re being proud if you don’t).
Have a little muse over these ’sound-bites’ on humilty (apologies but I can’t remember their source):
“Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”
“True humilty is agreeing with God about what he says about you”
Ultimately, when we align ourselves with God’s will over our will then it’s always going to work out better. Look at Jesus – he sumbitted to God’s will and was able to save the entire human race. Epic win.
“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of youir heart.” – Psalm 37:4
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:9
Pray
Ask God to speak to you about his will for your life – it might be helpful to flick through your Bible and look for some of the promises that he makes over you (e.g. John 10:10). Ask him to show you where you need to submit yourself and your plans to him. Ask for the strength and the faith to do that.
