Daily Bread: Wed 17th, Dec, 2008

Todays reading is: Chapters 1-4 From the Letter to the Hebrews.

Hebrews is an incredible book. It begins with such revelation that the whole World cannot contain it all;

Heb 1:1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,
Heb 1:2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world

This declares that Jesus is God's own mouth piece. What he said, he said for God and with his approval. It is as if he is the living, breathing embodient of what God is saying. Jesus is also the heir of all things, all things belong to him, for all things were made by him and through him.

Heb 1:3 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,

This reveals the Tri unity of God. He is the exact likeness of God, yet not the same person as the Father. They are identical, one in essence, nature and will. He sustains the Universe by the word of his power, something only God can do. He wiped sin away, something that is awe inspiring. To sit at God's right hand is to share his authority and his position.

Heb 1:4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
Heb 1:5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"? Or again, "I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son"?

This does not mean that Jesus was created as the cults would suggest, it simply means the same as if I say I was made a Doctor or a theologian. It would not mean I did not exist and have great titles before. Jesus being perfect eternally lived that perfection out and attained a perfect reward.

Heb 1:6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him."

God declares that only God is worthy or worship, anything else would be idolatry. This powerfully shows that Jesus is God.

Heb 1:8 But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
Heb 1:9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."

Notice here that he says of the Son, Your throne, O God! This is clear and cannot be denied without being blind and deceitful to the truth. Jesus is Adonai, he is the God of the scriptures in human form.

Heb 2:17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
Heb 2:18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

The great truth that the Messiah must be a perfect man that can bridge the gap between sinful man and perfect Holy God. He can intercede for us now and understand our struggles because he lived as a human like we do.

Heb 3:15 As it is said, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion."
Heb 3:16 For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses?

A clear warning that the message must be heeded, it must be obeyed, people must repent and believe.

Heb 4:1 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it.
Heb 4:2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, those that fear God hate sin. If you love God, you hate the opposite of him, that is sin.

Heb 4:13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Heb 4:14 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.
Heb 4:15 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.
Heb 4:16 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.

The message is clear. Jesus is unique. He is the one mediator between God and man, for he is God and Man. The justice and mercy of God kiss in Jesus Christ. Those that hear the message must humbly and honestly obey it. Be true with God, he will be true with you. Lie to God and you cheat yourself. The fault will always be mans, God is always willing to save...

repent and believe the good news...

www.needgod.com

Martin R Gough