Tag Archives: the book of Hebrews

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”  (Hebrews 4:13, NIV)

“Character” is often defined as “who you are when no one else is looking.”  Be certain of this: Someone else is always looking.

The kind of things we would say about someone if that person were listening; the kind of things we would do if we knew that we would see it replayed on television or on “You Tube”; and the places we would go (or not go) if we were never alone, form the basis accountable behavior.

Trouble, embarrassment, and ruin are certain when individuals, organizations, and governments cease being ever mindful of the fact that each is accountable, regardless of perceived power, prestige, or privacy.

The wise person is mindful that every day of his or her life is “on the books.”  – Luther

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“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”  (Hebrews 2:18, NIV)

Empathy = “‘Been there.  Done that’. . .  and reaching back to help others traveling the same road.”

The cost of empathy is always a personal one, which is why it resonates in a way that “informed” but “inexperienced” advice and presence cannot.

As the architect of humanity, Jesus was certainly informed of the human condition; but without becoming fully human Himself, it is like being the designer of a house, but never living within the house of one’s own design.  Living in the human condition is different than being informed of it.

When you endure hardship, know that there is One who has walked in your shoes Who is able to help you live through the difficulty; and also know that you are becoming the one who, like Jesus, is able to empathize with others in their distress.  It is a gift.  – Luther

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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 Who it is that we are following, lest we acquire ideas about the person or the purpose of Jesus that are both un-scriptural, 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 was through Him the universe was created.  In other words, He is its architect.

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

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