the book of Hebrews | Daily Encouragement | Page 53

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“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” (Hebrews 1:1-3a, NIV)

As followers of Jesus, it it good to be reminded Whom it is that we are following, lest we acquire ideas about the person or the purpose of Jesus that are both unscriptural, and unsupportable.

Ask an architect about a structure she has designed, and she will be able to speak to every detail of its form and its function.

The words of Jesus resonate as they do in human experience because it is through Him the universe was created. In other words, He is its architect. As such, He is uniquely qualified to speak to every detail of human experience — beginning to end.

The longer and the closer one follows Jesus, the more one appreciates the work of God. – Luther

Tagged God's wisdom, the book of Hebrews

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“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.” (Hebrews 4:14-16, The Message)

If you believe that asking for help as a sign of weakness, you’re right! It is a sign of weakness.

Knowing our true state, God has provided the example of His Son — tested in every human situation! Having passed each test with a perfect score; Jesus — the victor — has provided His own spirit to give us the inspiration and the power to succeed.

Trouble and trial stalk us like prey. “Take the mercy. Accept the help.” – Luther

Tagged God's provision, the book of Hebrews, weakness

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“But exhort [encourage] one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13, KJV)

Do not underestimate the power of personal example.

Sin is deceitful (e. g. tricky) because it always promises more than it ever actually delivers. Fellow disciples who are immature, inexperienced, or ignorant of God’s word are prime candidates for sin’s deceit.

Sin blunts the power of God’s spirit within us because it causes our heart to become less receptive (e. g. hardened) to both the Spirit’s guidance, and the Spirit’s gifts. The farther we are from God, the smaller God seems. The antidote to this kind of atrophy is the disciples’ “exercise” of growing ever closer to our heavenly Father.

We can be of immeasurable help to others at risk of sin’s deceit and insensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and gifts by using every opportunity to testify (e. g. give voice) to the active presence and the loving care of our heavenly Father in our personal example of what we do and what we say. – Luther

Tagged personal example, sin's deceit, the book of Hebrews