Hebrews 4:1-5
The author continues on his thoughts about the Sabbath rest that God has invited his people to enter. This continues his exploration of Psalm 95 but here the author focuses on the word "rest." The author contends that because the nation of Israel did not enter the Sabbath rest of God that the promise of entering that rest still stands. The author draws a parallel between the response of the OT Jews and the audience's potential; they both had a good news message proclaimed to them but the OT Jews did not share the faith of those who believed. I think "those who believed" is a reference to the people that the author lists in Hebrews 11.
Looking forward, I think that faith is going to be one of the themes that the author picks up on in the rest of the book. For sure it is a theme picked up on in Hebrews 11 and 12. It fits with the rest of the author's thesis: the supremacy of Christ and, therefore, the supremacy of everything that Christ offers to his disciples over what the Jewish religious system offers. Faith becomes the way to access the presence and glory of God and all the benefits that Christ offers - specifically in this passage, rest. Promise is another theme that will be picked up on in the rest of the book. Here, the focus is on the promise of rest.
It is interesting to me how well the author knows the OT but doesn't know where anything is (grin!). Twice the author has said something like, "there is a place where someone has testified..." and "somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words..." The words about the seventh day are fairly significant and quite easy to remember where they are - it's right at the beginning of the OT. I can't be too harsh on him though because I know that I've done something similar in a lot in my sermons: "as Scripture reminds us..." or "the Bible says..." Steve (my go to guy on this stuff) wonders if it is a common expression like "the good book says" or if he is just doing what we all tend to do in our talks and sermons.
The main point the author is making in this passage is that there is a Sabbath rest available for the followers of Jesus and that we enter that Sabbath rest by faith. This Sabbath rest is a promise that will be fulfilled both in the future and that is being fulfilled in the present. I can be experiencing the rest of God right now. If I am not, that speaks to my faith and my acceptance of the good news message.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Danger of Unbelief
Hebrews 3:16-19
The author asks a series of questions about the historical incident that prevented the Jewish adults from entering the promised rest. Basically he is making the point that it is the very people that Moses led out of captivity that have been denied entrance into God's rest. They had seen the redemptive work of God in the Exodus but still their hearts tended towards unbelief. The author is stressing that unbelief leads to disobedience. The logical flow, according to the author is: unbelief leads to disobedience leads to discipline. In this case, the discipline is death and an inability to enter God's promised rest.
All of this relates back to the quote the author uses: "if you hear his voice, do not harden your heart." The warning is that a hardened heart leads to disobedience and disobedience leads to punishment. It is an exhortation to continue in obedience to the voice of God and to make sure that my heart is soft toward him and his direction. The author is hinting that there is a promised rest for all of those who continue to obey God. The Sabbath and the Promised Land are mere shadows that point to the final Sabbath rest available to those who obey.
The author asks a series of questions about the historical incident that prevented the Jewish adults from entering the promised rest. Basically he is making the point that it is the very people that Moses led out of captivity that have been denied entrance into God's rest. They had seen the redemptive work of God in the Exodus but still their hearts tended towards unbelief. The author is stressing that unbelief leads to disobedience. The logical flow, according to the author is: unbelief leads to disobedience leads to discipline. In this case, the discipline is death and an inability to enter God's promised rest.
All of this relates back to the quote the author uses: "if you hear his voice, do not harden your heart." The warning is that a hardened heart leads to disobedience and disobedience leads to punishment. It is an exhortation to continue in obedience to the voice of God and to make sure that my heart is soft toward him and his direction. The author is hinting that there is a promised rest for all of those who continue to obey God. The Sabbath and the Promised Land are mere shadows that point to the final Sabbath rest available to those who obey.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
No Hard Hearts
Hebrews 3:7-15
This section contains another lengthy quote from the OT, in this case from Psalm 95. This strengthens the assumption that this letter is being written to Jewish Christians who would have been familiar with the OT and with Israel's history. The quote is a recitation of Israel's history, in particular the forty years they spent in the wilderness. The point the author is making is that his audience must be careful not to harden their hearts to the voice of God as their ancestors had done. The flow of his argument is that because Christ is supreme, the readers must listen to his voice.
The author also makes the point that we are responsible for each other. We are supposed to look out for each other, watching for symptoms of a hardened heart. The antidote is encouragement and so the author exhorts us to encourage each other daily so that all of us together can share in Christ by holding firmly to the end.
The author clearly points out the three pillars of our faith: the Word - the voice of Christ (v. 7b), the Spirit (v. 7a) and the community of faith (v. 12-13). We need all three in order to thrive in our faith. When we lose one, we become imbalanced and risk failure in our lives. I must make sure to lean on all three in order to have a greater understanding of what Christ is calling me to and to ensure that I do not develop a hard heart.
This section contains another lengthy quote from the OT, in this case from Psalm 95. This strengthens the assumption that this letter is being written to Jewish Christians who would have been familiar with the OT and with Israel's history. The quote is a recitation of Israel's history, in particular the forty years they spent in the wilderness. The point the author is making is that his audience must be careful not to harden their hearts to the voice of God as their ancestors had done. The flow of his argument is that because Christ is supreme, the readers must listen to his voice.
The author also makes the point that we are responsible for each other. We are supposed to look out for each other, watching for symptoms of a hardened heart. The antidote is encouragement and so the author exhorts us to encourage each other daily so that all of us together can share in Christ by holding firmly to the end.
The author clearly points out the three pillars of our faith: the Word - the voice of Christ (v. 7b), the Spirit (v. 7a) and the community of faith (v. 12-13). We need all three in order to thrive in our faith. When we lose one, we become imbalanced and risk failure in our lives. I must make sure to lean on all three in order to have a greater understanding of what Christ is calling me to and to ensure that I do not develop a hard heart.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
God's House
Hebrews 3:1-6
The image that the author creates is God's house. He is comparing Jesus and Moses in this section, talking about how Moses was faithful in his service in all God's house. The reference is to Numbers 12:7 where God judges Aaron and Miriam for stirring up rebellion against Moses. God affirms Moses' leadership because he is faithful in all God's house and has communicated with God face-to-face. This is contrast to the prophets to whom God communicates in visions.
The author compares the honour Moses receives to the honour Jesus receives, implying that Jesus is worthy of greater honour because he built the house while Moses only served in the house. Jesus is also worthy of greater honour because he is the Son, and therefore the heir, while Moses, as great as he was, is a servant. The author makes it clear that the house Moses served - the tabernacle - was a type of the house that God would ultimately build - the Church.
This section connects directly to the previous section in chapter 2. The flow of the author's thought is: Because Christ shared in our humanity and tasted death for us, we should fix our thoughts on Jesus. Again it all comes back to Jesus being the center. It is all about the supremacy of Christ. He deserves to at least be my focus and fascination. He is worthy of my full attention. Everything in my life must be centered around him - he is the sun around which the rest of my life must revolve.
The image that the author creates is God's house. He is comparing Jesus and Moses in this section, talking about how Moses was faithful in his service in all God's house. The reference is to Numbers 12:7 where God judges Aaron and Miriam for stirring up rebellion against Moses. God affirms Moses' leadership because he is faithful in all God's house and has communicated with God face-to-face. This is contrast to the prophets to whom God communicates in visions.
The author compares the honour Moses receives to the honour Jesus receives, implying that Jesus is worthy of greater honour because he built the house while Moses only served in the house. Jesus is also worthy of greater honour because he is the Son, and therefore the heir, while Moses, as great as he was, is a servant. The author makes it clear that the house Moses served - the tabernacle - was a type of the house that God would ultimately build - the Church.
This section connects directly to the previous section in chapter 2. The flow of the author's thought is: Because Christ shared in our humanity and tasted death for us, we should fix our thoughts on Jesus. Again it all comes back to Jesus being the center. It is all about the supremacy of Christ. He deserves to at least be my focus and fascination. He is worthy of my full attention. Everything in my life must be centered around him - he is the sun around which the rest of my life must revolve.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Shared Humanity
Hebrews 2:14-18
Death is repeated a few times in this passage and the idea that Christ shares in my humanity is repeated, using different words, as well. In fact, the idea that Christ shared my humanity is the key idea of this section of Hebrews. The author uses this fact to reinforce his assertion of the angels position in the creation order. While humans may be a little lower than the angels, it is to humans that Christ came to help.
The author is answering the question: Why did Christ became human? His answer: So that he might help us by breaking the power of death and serving as a high priest who makes atonement for our sins.
Right now our staff team is memorizing Philippians 2:1-16. Paul is making the same point that the author is making in this passage: Christ was made in human likeness, sharing in our humanity, and was obedient to death. I think that I have heard this so many times that I no longer give it much thought. I am no longer moved, as a I should be, by this profound truth. When I pause to meditate on it, I am brought up short. I can't move past it. It is so amazing that Christ would share in my temptations and suffering so that I could be free from death and free from sin. It is beyond thought that Christ, who is the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, would die for me. Love so amazing! How can it be that Thou my God would die for me?
Death is repeated a few times in this passage and the idea that Christ shares in my humanity is repeated, using different words, as well. In fact, the idea that Christ shared my humanity is the key idea of this section of Hebrews. The author uses this fact to reinforce his assertion of the angels position in the creation order. While humans may be a little lower than the angels, it is to humans that Christ came to help.
The author is answering the question: Why did Christ became human? His answer: So that he might help us by breaking the power of death and serving as a high priest who makes atonement for our sins.
Right now our staff team is memorizing Philippians 2:1-16. Paul is making the same point that the author is making in this passage: Christ was made in human likeness, sharing in our humanity, and was obedient to death. I think that I have heard this so many times that I no longer give it much thought. I am no longer moved, as a I should be, by this profound truth. When I pause to meditate on it, I am brought up short. I can't move past it. It is so amazing that Christ would share in my temptations and suffering so that I could be free from death and free from sin. It is beyond thought that Christ, who is the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, would die for me. Love so amazing! How can it be that Thou my God would die for me?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Band of Brothers (and Sisters)
Hebrews 2:10-13
Jesus is bringing many sons and daughters to glory. The previous verses make it clear that it is through his death that they are brought into glory (he tasted death for everyone). The author makes it clear that Jesus is the pioneer of our faith - an image that he will return to again at least once (Hebrews 12). The idea of perfecting is also a common theme in Hebrews (again mentioned in Hebrews 12, as well as other places). Here, the author uses a troubling phrase that seems to indicate that Jesus was made perfect through his suffering.
The rest of Scripture and the historical theology of the Church makes it clear that Jesus was always perfect. He never sinned. He was eternally fully God. So what does the author mean that he was made "perfect through what he suffered." I think that we need to remember that Jesus was also fully human and this means that he matured like every human does. Also, Jesus had to live his life in obedience to God so that he could be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. The perfection of Jesus is seen most clearly in the cross. He died as the perfect sacrifice so the sense of this phrase is likely that his suffering affirmed his perfection. In other words, he was made perfect to us in his suffering.
The phrase that stirs the most awe in me is verse 11. Sometimes I see myself as a second class son or daughter. By focusing on my unworthiness to be a part of the family, I negate the effects of God's grace as seen in Jesus Christ. I am a full member of the family - as much as the one who made me holy is a member - and Jesus is not ashamed to call me his brother. There are two applications for me: 1) I need to stop beating myself up. Yes, I will continue to deal harshly with sin in my life and strive for holiness with the help of the Spirit but I am still a full member of the family of God. In my false humility of seeing myself as not a full member of the family I insult God by saying his grace is not enough and I teach my son that an adopted family member is not really a full part of the family. 2) I must not see others as third or fourth class members of the family. That makes me too much like the older brother in the tale of the prodigal son. I know that I am guilty of looking down on others for the sinfulness as if God's grace might just barely be enough for me but they will certainly have to earn their way back into God's favour. This is really saying that I have earned (or have a plan to earn) God's favour and a position in the family. Again, this insults God's character and dishonour those he has created in his image and redeemed by the blood of his Son. I must stop this! If Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, then why am I?
Jesus is bringing many sons and daughters to glory. The previous verses make it clear that it is through his death that they are brought into glory (he tasted death for everyone). The author makes it clear that Jesus is the pioneer of our faith - an image that he will return to again at least once (Hebrews 12). The idea of perfecting is also a common theme in Hebrews (again mentioned in Hebrews 12, as well as other places). Here, the author uses a troubling phrase that seems to indicate that Jesus was made perfect through his suffering.
The rest of Scripture and the historical theology of the Church makes it clear that Jesus was always perfect. He never sinned. He was eternally fully God. So what does the author mean that he was made "perfect through what he suffered." I think that we need to remember that Jesus was also fully human and this means that he matured like every human does. Also, Jesus had to live his life in obedience to God so that he could be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. The perfection of Jesus is seen most clearly in the cross. He died as the perfect sacrifice so the sense of this phrase is likely that his suffering affirmed his perfection. In other words, he was made perfect to us in his suffering.
The phrase that stirs the most awe in me is verse 11. Sometimes I see myself as a second class son or daughter. By focusing on my unworthiness to be a part of the family, I negate the effects of God's grace as seen in Jesus Christ. I am a full member of the family - as much as the one who made me holy is a member - and Jesus is not ashamed to call me his brother. There are two applications for me: 1) I need to stop beating myself up. Yes, I will continue to deal harshly with sin in my life and strive for holiness with the help of the Spirit but I am still a full member of the family of God. In my false humility of seeing myself as not a full member of the family I insult God by saying his grace is not enough and I teach my son that an adopted family member is not really a full part of the family. 2) I must not see others as third or fourth class members of the family. That makes me too much like the older brother in the tale of the prodigal son. I know that I am guilty of looking down on others for the sinfulness as if God's grace might just barely be enough for me but they will certainly have to earn their way back into God's favour. This is really saying that I have earned (or have a plan to earn) God's favour and a position in the family. Again, this insults God's character and dishonour those he has created in his image and redeemed by the blood of his Son. I must stop this! If Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, then why am I?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The Place of Mortals
Hebrews 2:5-9
The key words in this section are angels, mortals (or humans), subject, and death. The author is continuing his argument about the place of angels. In this section, he compares the place of angels and humans in the creation order. His argument is that while humans are created a bit lower than the angels, it is to humans that he has given the right to rule over the earth and everything in it. This goes right back to the creation of humans and echoes the charge that God gives to humans in Genesis 1:28. The author quotes Psalm 8:4-6 in this section but introduces the quote in a strange way: "there is a place where someone has testified..." I don't know why but it just struck me. It actually makes the author seem more human and accessible because I've done the same thing many times: somewhere the Bible says...
The author compares the dominion of humans to the dominion of Christ; because of their sin, humans do not see all of earthly creation in subjection to them - having to defend themselves from wild animals and do battle with weeds, thorns and thistles - but Jesus has assumed his throne, received his crown and all things are subject to him. In this brief description of the willing humiliation of Christ, I hear echoes of Paul's writing in Philippians 2: "being found in appearance as a human being, he humbled himself and become obedient to death - even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name..."
Again, for the author, it is all about Jesus. For me, I must remember that it is Christ who reigns and that I am under his authourity and rule. I must submit myself to his agenda and his will. However, I must also recognize that I have a responsibility as given by Christ from the beginning of creation to act on Christ's behalf and to be his governor or ambassador in the areas that he has called me to. I have been commissioned by Christ to pursue and stand up for the interests of his kingdom.
The key words in this section are angels, mortals (or humans), subject, and death. The author is continuing his argument about the place of angels. In this section, he compares the place of angels and humans in the creation order. His argument is that while humans are created a bit lower than the angels, it is to humans that he has given the right to rule over the earth and everything in it. This goes right back to the creation of humans and echoes the charge that God gives to humans in Genesis 1:28. The author quotes Psalm 8:4-6 in this section but introduces the quote in a strange way: "there is a place where someone has testified..." I don't know why but it just struck me. It actually makes the author seem more human and accessible because I've done the same thing many times: somewhere the Bible says...
The author compares the dominion of humans to the dominion of Christ; because of their sin, humans do not see all of earthly creation in subjection to them - having to defend themselves from wild animals and do battle with weeds, thorns and thistles - but Jesus has assumed his throne, received his crown and all things are subject to him. In this brief description of the willing humiliation of Christ, I hear echoes of Paul's writing in Philippians 2: "being found in appearance as a human being, he humbled himself and become obedient to death - even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name..."
Again, for the author, it is all about Jesus. For me, I must remember that it is Christ who reigns and that I am under his authourity and rule. I must submit myself to his agenda and his will. However, I must also recognize that I have a responsibility as given by Christ from the beginning of creation to act on Christ's behalf and to be his governor or ambassador in the areas that he has called me to. I have been commissioned by Christ to pursue and stand up for the interests of his kingdom.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Message of Christ is Greater
Hebrews 2:1-4
This section continues the author's train of thought regarding the supremacy of Christ particularly as compared to the angels. However, here we have his application. If Christ is superior to the angels, then the message we have from Christ is superior to the message received from the angels. The message received from the angels refers to the Law. The author's argument is: if disobeying the message received from angels resulted in punishment, how much greater will the punishment be if we disobey the message of Christ.
There is an interesting parallel between 2:4 and 1:1-2. God spoke in various ways at various times through the prophets but has now spoken to us by his Son. The message of his Son is verified by God as seen by various miracles. It almost comes full circle: the various ways in the past culminate in the single voice of Christ which is confirmed to the world in various ways. All of it points to Christ. He is the fulcrum upon which everything rests.
Again, this reminds me of the supremacy of Christ. My life would not be wasted if it was all about Jesus all the time. My life would not be wasted if I looked for every opportunity to speak and live the gospel in some way and if that became the whole focus of my life. This passage serves as a triple warning for me: 1) I must make sure that I submit to the message of Christ in my life. His message is that it is not by works but only through grace that I am saved. When I live in a way that attempts to earn God's favour or to make God owe me something I am violating the message of Christ and I do so at my peril! 2) I must make sure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to hear the message of Christ so that they can submit to it. I must make sure that the message that I am proclaiming and living is the true message of Christ. The author makes it clear: escaping punishment is impossible if the message of Christ is not accepted. This must motivate me to action! 3) Everything is about Christ. I must make sure that my own life is centred around and built upon Jesus. I must make sure that my words and actions point people to Jesus. I long to be part of the long tradition of those who point others to Christ.
This section continues the author's train of thought regarding the supremacy of Christ particularly as compared to the angels. However, here we have his application. If Christ is superior to the angels, then the message we have from Christ is superior to the message received from the angels. The message received from the angels refers to the Law. The author's argument is: if disobeying the message received from angels resulted in punishment, how much greater will the punishment be if we disobey the message of Christ.
There is an interesting parallel between 2:4 and 1:1-2. God spoke in various ways at various times through the prophets but has now spoken to us by his Son. The message of his Son is verified by God as seen by various miracles. It almost comes full circle: the various ways in the past culminate in the single voice of Christ which is confirmed to the world in various ways. All of it points to Christ. He is the fulcrum upon which everything rests.
Again, this reminds me of the supremacy of Christ. My life would not be wasted if it was all about Jesus all the time. My life would not be wasted if I looked for every opportunity to speak and live the gospel in some way and if that became the whole focus of my life. This passage serves as a triple warning for me: 1) I must make sure that I submit to the message of Christ in my life. His message is that it is not by works but only through grace that I am saved. When I live in a way that attempts to earn God's favour or to make God owe me something I am violating the message of Christ and I do so at my peril! 2) I must make sure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to hear the message of Christ so that they can submit to it. I must make sure that the message that I am proclaiming and living is the true message of Christ. The author makes it clear: escaping punishment is impossible if the message of Christ is not accepted. This must motivate me to action! 3) Everything is about Christ. I must make sure that my own life is centred around and built upon Jesus. I must make sure that my words and actions point people to Jesus. I long to be part of the long tradition of those who point others to Christ.
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Supremacy of the Son
Hebrews 1:5-14
This section contains quotes from the OT that the authour uses to indicate that the Son is greater than the angels. These quotes support the authour's thesis in verses 1-4 and indicate that there was an unhealthy fascination with, perhaps even worship of, angels. The authour's goal is to remind his readers of the supremacy of Christ.
The authour uses quotes mostly from the Book of Psalms but includes some from the historical records of the kings of Israel and Judah and the book of Deuteronomy. The main theme of the quotes is that angels are servants and the Son is the King who is given all authourity. Some of the quotes about the Son echo the authour's assertion that Christ is seated in the place of authourity at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven (v. 3, 8, 13).
The authour continues his thought about the supremacy of the name of Christ as compared to the name given the angels. The name given to Christ is found in verse 5: "Son". This is compared to the name given the angels in verse 7: "servant". The authour is showing that Christ has a special relationship to the Father and, therefore, is superior to the angels.
My question is about the use of the quotes. Historically, I am not sure that the passages quoted would have been attributed to the coming Messiah. They were mostly spoken of the present king or of God's sovreignty. I know that the authour was inspired by the Holy Spirit so that means that these verses are speaking of the Christ but it really does open up the book to reading back into the OT something that was never intended by the original human authours.
The point is that Christ is superior. I don't hear too much angel fascination or angel worship today, although it is still present in small pockets. I do wonder though if there is a growing fascination with demons. I think it is good to be aware of the spiritual forces of good and of evil in the world, but we, and be "we" I mean "I", must never lose sight of the supremacy of the Son: he is the King, he is far above the angels - whether fallen or not - in position and in power.
This section contains quotes from the OT that the authour uses to indicate that the Son is greater than the angels. These quotes support the authour's thesis in verses 1-4 and indicate that there was an unhealthy fascination with, perhaps even worship of, angels. The authour's goal is to remind his readers of the supremacy of Christ.
The authour uses quotes mostly from the Book of Psalms but includes some from the historical records of the kings of Israel and Judah and the book of Deuteronomy. The main theme of the quotes is that angels are servants and the Son is the King who is given all authourity. Some of the quotes about the Son echo the authour's assertion that Christ is seated in the place of authourity at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven (v. 3, 8, 13).
The authour continues his thought about the supremacy of the name of Christ as compared to the name given the angels. The name given to Christ is found in verse 5: "Son". This is compared to the name given the angels in verse 7: "servant". The authour is showing that Christ has a special relationship to the Father and, therefore, is superior to the angels.
My question is about the use of the quotes. Historically, I am not sure that the passages quoted would have been attributed to the coming Messiah. They were mostly spoken of the present king or of God's sovreignty. I know that the authour was inspired by the Holy Spirit so that means that these verses are speaking of the Christ but it really does open up the book to reading back into the OT something that was never intended by the original human authours.
The point is that Christ is superior. I don't hear too much angel fascination or angel worship today, although it is still present in small pockets. I do wonder though if there is a growing fascination with demons. I think it is good to be aware of the spiritual forces of good and of evil in the world, but we, and be "we" I mean "I", must never lose sight of the supremacy of the Son: he is the King, he is far above the angels - whether fallen or not - in position and in power.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Radiance of God's Glory
Hebrews 1:1-4
I already focused on the first couple of verses but the authour continues his thought in these next verses. The theme starts in verse 2 where the authour claims that the universe was created through Christ and then goes on into verse 3 where he develops his claim that Jesus is inseparable from God: he is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of God's being.
The authour clearly sees Christ as sitting on the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. This is a fulfillment of the prophecy of Jesus at his trial before the high priest and a parallel vision to that of Stephen in Acts 7, just before his death. It refers to the authourity that Jesus has - equal to God's authourity.
The authour makes a comparison in verse 4 that I don't completely understand. Jesus is as superior to the angels as his name is superior to their name. The name that the authour is referring to is found in verse 5: Son. It points to a more intimate relationship than the angels have with the Father. It also indicates a greater inheritance than the angels have. The point is that Jesus is superior to the angels.
For me the reminder is that it is all about Jesus. He is superior. I lack the language to describe the emotional response that I have to this. I think part of it is fear that I have allowed other things to become superior to Christ in my life. I think part of it is awe at the majesty and authourity of Christ. I think part of it is humility at the work that he accomplished in my life and in the world - the purification of sins. As an aside, talk about an understated way to describe the life, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ: "after he had provided purification for sins..." It reminds me that if Christ is the radiance of God's glory then the way for me to bring glory to God is to keep Christ central and superior. It brings me to the place of worship. Which is exactly where I need to be.
I already focused on the first couple of verses but the authour continues his thought in these next verses. The theme starts in verse 2 where the authour claims that the universe was created through Christ and then goes on into verse 3 where he develops his claim that Jesus is inseparable from God: he is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of God's being.
The authour clearly sees Christ as sitting on the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. This is a fulfillment of the prophecy of Jesus at his trial before the high priest and a parallel vision to that of Stephen in Acts 7, just before his death. It refers to the authourity that Jesus has - equal to God's authourity.
The authour makes a comparison in verse 4 that I don't completely understand. Jesus is as superior to the angels as his name is superior to their name. The name that the authour is referring to is found in verse 5: Son. It points to a more intimate relationship than the angels have with the Father. It also indicates a greater inheritance than the angels have. The point is that Jesus is superior to the angels.
For me the reminder is that it is all about Jesus. He is superior. I lack the language to describe the emotional response that I have to this. I think part of it is fear that I have allowed other things to become superior to Christ in my life. I think part of it is awe at the majesty and authourity of Christ. I think part of it is humility at the work that he accomplished in my life and in the world - the purification of sins. As an aside, talk about an understated way to describe the life, crucifixion and resurrection of Christ: "after he had provided purification for sins..." It reminds me that if Christ is the radiance of God's glory then the way for me to bring glory to God is to keep Christ central and superior. It brings me to the place of worship. Which is exactly where I need to be.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Last Word
Hebrews 1:1-2
The key words in this section are: spoke (or spoken), and the contrast between the many times and ways and the last times and single way. The author is not identified and the audience is not addressed by name, although the traditional title of the book is "to the Hebrews" indicating that the assumption from early Christianity was that it was written to Jewish Christians. It is likely, since the author does not refer to the destruction of the temple in this book, that it was written before 70AD. The theme is being hinted at immediately: the superiority of Christ, especially his superiority compared to the Jewish religious system and tradition.
In these two verses, the author declares that Jesus is the fulfillment of and superior to the message of the prophets. This is a continuation and development of the themes that Stephen speaks of in Acts 7. For Stephen, it was all about Christ: he was the fulfillment of the law, he was the culmination of the scope of God's mercy and the scope of God's work. For the author, it is all about Christ. He is the full revelation of God.
I am excited to read the book of Hebrews to remind myself of the centrality of Christ and the cross. Sometimes I get lost in the details and logistics of programs and ministries. I need to remember that the point and the center is Christ and the cross. Sometimes I get lost in relationships and meeting people's needs. I need to remember that Christ is the center, foundation and culmination of all relationships. If people have only connected to me and I have not led them to Christ in some way, then that relationship has not fulfilled its purpose. I need to remember that more then answers and resources that people need Jesus. Jesus is God with us. Jesus enters our world, our pain, our joys, our failures and our triumphs. It's all about Jesus.
The key words in this section are: spoke (or spoken), and the contrast between the many times and ways and the last times and single way. The author is not identified and the audience is not addressed by name, although the traditional title of the book is "to the Hebrews" indicating that the assumption from early Christianity was that it was written to Jewish Christians. It is likely, since the author does not refer to the destruction of the temple in this book, that it was written before 70AD. The theme is being hinted at immediately: the superiority of Christ, especially his superiority compared to the Jewish religious system and tradition.
In these two verses, the author declares that Jesus is the fulfillment of and superior to the message of the prophets. This is a continuation and development of the themes that Stephen speaks of in Acts 7. For Stephen, it was all about Christ: he was the fulfillment of the law, he was the culmination of the scope of God's mercy and the scope of God's work. For the author, it is all about Christ. He is the full revelation of God.
I am excited to read the book of Hebrews to remind myself of the centrality of Christ and the cross. Sometimes I get lost in the details and logistics of programs and ministries. I need to remember that the point and the center is Christ and the cross. Sometimes I get lost in relationships and meeting people's needs. I need to remember that Christ is the center, foundation and culmination of all relationships. If people have only connected to me and I have not led them to Christ in some way, then that relationship has not fulfilled its purpose. I need to remember that more then answers and resources that people need Jesus. Jesus is God with us. Jesus enters our world, our pain, our joys, our failures and our triumphs. It's all about Jesus.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
a great investment!
Matthew 19:27-30
It occurred to me that I didn't really deal with this section of the story. Peter, in typical bold fashion, reminds Jesus that they truly have given up everything, just as Jesus had asked the rich young man to do, and wonders what they will receive in return. Jesus points to three things: 1) they will sit on thrones of authourity over the 12 tribes of Israel, 2) they will receive eternal life and 3) they will receive 100x what they have given up. This sounds like a great investment. It's guaranteed by Jesus himself. The rate of return is unparalleled. It seems like a sure thing.
My problem is not with the rate of return. Nor is my problem with the trustworthiness of Jesus. My problem, or, to be more accurate, my question, is about some of the things that Jesus seems to commend his disciples for giving up.
I am fine with most of the list. Houses and fields cause me no problems. My commitment to Jesus should overshadow any kind of commitment to property or material possessions. I must be willing to give all of that up for the sake of Jesus. Brother, sister, father and mother don't cause me much trouble either. I get that a disciple may have to give up relationships with family in order to follow Jesus. I understand that I might have to lose touch with and lose a relationship with them for the sake of Christ.
It's the wife or children that I have trouble with. This makes me wonder if I perhaps am misunderstanding what Jesus means by giving up. Everything I have been taught is that the family is paramount. I must do whatever I can to preserve my relationship with my wife and child. We look down on those who are so consumed with their work or ministry that their family life suffers and, yet, it seems like Jesus commends that very behaviour in this passage.
I understand that I must be cautious because there are those that will use this verse as an excuse to ditch their wife and children. However, I wonder if we, in western christian culture, have so elevated the place of family that it was become an idol.
Don't get me wrong. I need to be a way better husband and father than I am and by the grace of God I will grow more and more into those roles. Also, I am asking questions here, not making statements.
Here's what I do know. I do not value Christ or his work highly enough. I want him to be my treasure and my joy. I want his heart for the world to become my heart for the world. I want him to be my number one priority.
It occurred to me that I didn't really deal with this section of the story. Peter, in typical bold fashion, reminds Jesus that they truly have given up everything, just as Jesus had asked the rich young man to do, and wonders what they will receive in return. Jesus points to three things: 1) they will sit on thrones of authourity over the 12 tribes of Israel, 2) they will receive eternal life and 3) they will receive 100x what they have given up. This sounds like a great investment. It's guaranteed by Jesus himself. The rate of return is unparalleled. It seems like a sure thing.
My problem is not with the rate of return. Nor is my problem with the trustworthiness of Jesus. My problem, or, to be more accurate, my question, is about some of the things that Jesus seems to commend his disciples for giving up.
I am fine with most of the list. Houses and fields cause me no problems. My commitment to Jesus should overshadow any kind of commitment to property or material possessions. I must be willing to give all of that up for the sake of Jesus. Brother, sister, father and mother don't cause me much trouble either. I get that a disciple may have to give up relationships with family in order to follow Jesus. I understand that I might have to lose touch with and lose a relationship with them for the sake of Christ.
It's the wife or children that I have trouble with. This makes me wonder if I perhaps am misunderstanding what Jesus means by giving up. Everything I have been taught is that the family is paramount. I must do whatever I can to preserve my relationship with my wife and child. We look down on those who are so consumed with their work or ministry that their family life suffers and, yet, it seems like Jesus commends that very behaviour in this passage.
I understand that I must be cautious because there are those that will use this verse as an excuse to ditch their wife and children. However, I wonder if we, in western christian culture, have so elevated the place of family that it was become an idol.
Don't get me wrong. I need to be a way better husband and father than I am and by the grace of God I will grow more and more into those roles. Also, I am asking questions here, not making statements.
Here's what I do know. I do not value Christ or his work highly enough. I want him to be my treasure and my joy. I want his heart for the world to become my heart for the world. I want him to be my number one priority.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
the upside down world of the kingdom
Matthew 19:23-30
Jesus makes the statement twice, almost word for word, that it is hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. In fact, he says, it is easier for a camel to be threaded through the needle's eye than for a rich person to enter the kingdom. This shocks the disciples because they live in a world, much like ours, where everything is easier for the rich. If it is so hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom, then it must be even more impossible for anyone else to enter the kingdom. Being so insulated by the Christian culture - which is too often a mix of Christian language and worldly values - in which I grew up, I don' t think I fully understand the impact of Jesus' statements. However, those who recognize their poverty would feel the impact. They would realize more fully how the values of the kingdom are so opposite those of the world. In the kingdom humility is honoured over ambition, money doesn't count for much and servants are more important than kings.
It seems like one of Jesus' favourite statements about the kingdom is that the first will be last and the last will be first in the kingdom of heaven. I don't think I fully grasp how different the values of the kingdom are. I think I have adopted too much of the worldly values and applied them to the kingdom. I think I have ignored the clear teaching of Jesus because it is so hard to believe in light of everything else the world is teaching. I wonder where I am missing the teaching of Jesus and the treue values of the kingdom because I am seeing them through the lens of the values of the world.
Jesus makes the statement twice, almost word for word, that it is hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. In fact, he says, it is easier for a camel to be threaded through the needle's eye than for a rich person to enter the kingdom. This shocks the disciples because they live in a world, much like ours, where everything is easier for the rich. If it is so hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom, then it must be even more impossible for anyone else to enter the kingdom. Being so insulated by the Christian culture - which is too often a mix of Christian language and worldly values - in which I grew up, I don' t think I fully understand the impact of Jesus' statements. However, those who recognize their poverty would feel the impact. They would realize more fully how the values of the kingdom are so opposite those of the world. In the kingdom humility is honoured over ambition, money doesn't count for much and servants are more important than kings.
It seems like one of Jesus' favourite statements about the kingdom is that the first will be last and the last will be first in the kingdom of heaven. I don't think I fully grasp how different the values of the kingdom are. I think I have adopted too much of the worldly values and applied them to the kingdom. I think I have ignored the clear teaching of Jesus because it is so hard to believe in light of everything else the world is teaching. I wonder where I am missing the teaching of Jesus and the treue values of the kingdom because I am seeing them through the lens of the values of the world.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
What do I lack?
Matthew 19:16-22
Taken out of context, this encounter could lead to some really bad theology. Taken out of context, it seems like Jesus is telling this man that he gain eternal life through good works: keep the commandments and give to the poor. It's important to remember the context and the main point that Matthew is getting at: that Jesus is the Messiah that was foretold by the prophets. In that light, this relates to the prophets' teaching that God is pleased when his people take up the cause of the lost, the least, the last and the littlest. It also shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law: if you want to be perfect... follow me (v. 21).
What is the lesson for the rich young man? First, he claimed to have kept all the laws that relate to loving your neighbour as yourself. Some have taught that Jesus was setting this man up: while he may love his neighbour as himself, he clearly does not love God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. He clearly loves his possessions more than he loves God.
While this may be true, it is also obvious that this man does not really love his neighbour as himself. While he it is hypothetically possible that he has never committed adultery, never murdered, never stolen, never given false testimony, etc., it is clear that he does not really love his neighbour as himself because he is unwilling to give up what he owns for the sake of his neighbour.
The contrast between this man and the man who discovers the treasure in Matthew 13 is striking: the man who discovers the treasure goes and with JOY sells all he has in order to possess that which is worth more. This man comes in contact with the greatest treasure possible in Christ and eternal life and goes away sad and what it will cost him. It is clear what this man values more than anything: his possessions.
I must constantly be evaluating my own life to discover what I have given more value than Christ and his kingdom. What am I spending my life on? What am I pouring my time, energy and resources into? What am I unwilling to give up for the sake of Christ and his kingdom? It may not be my possessions but I know that my heart is prone to wander from the source of true joy and true life. I know that my reputation and what people think of me becomes very important to me and constantly threatens to displace Christ and his kingdom as the priority of my life. I know that my leisure time is very important to me - I deserve some self-indulgence, after all - and constantly threatens to displace Christ and his kingdom as the priority of my life. I must fight to keep Christ at the center of my universe. I know that he is far more valuable than anything else I could put there and yet, like the rich young man, I sometimes walk away sad at the steep price that Christ demands. May I learn to treasure Christ above all.
Taken out of context, this encounter could lead to some really bad theology. Taken out of context, it seems like Jesus is telling this man that he gain eternal life through good works: keep the commandments and give to the poor. It's important to remember the context and the main point that Matthew is getting at: that Jesus is the Messiah that was foretold by the prophets. In that light, this relates to the prophets' teaching that God is pleased when his people take up the cause of the lost, the least, the last and the littlest. It also shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law: if you want to be perfect... follow me (v. 21).
What is the lesson for the rich young man? First, he claimed to have kept all the laws that relate to loving your neighbour as yourself. Some have taught that Jesus was setting this man up: while he may love his neighbour as himself, he clearly does not love God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. He clearly loves his possessions more than he loves God.
While this may be true, it is also obvious that this man does not really love his neighbour as himself. While he it is hypothetically possible that he has never committed adultery, never murdered, never stolen, never given false testimony, etc., it is clear that he does not really love his neighbour as himself because he is unwilling to give up what he owns for the sake of his neighbour.
The contrast between this man and the man who discovers the treasure in Matthew 13 is striking: the man who discovers the treasure goes and with JOY sells all he has in order to possess that which is worth more. This man comes in contact with the greatest treasure possible in Christ and eternal life and goes away sad and what it will cost him. It is clear what this man values more than anything: his possessions.
I must constantly be evaluating my own life to discover what I have given more value than Christ and his kingdom. What am I spending my life on? What am I pouring my time, energy and resources into? What am I unwilling to give up for the sake of Christ and his kingdom? It may not be my possessions but I know that my heart is prone to wander from the source of true joy and true life. I know that my reputation and what people think of me becomes very important to me and constantly threatens to displace Christ and his kingdom as the priority of my life. I know that my leisure time is very important to me - I deserve some self-indulgence, after all - and constantly threatens to displace Christ and his kingdom as the priority of my life. I must fight to keep Christ at the center of my universe. I know that he is far more valuable than anything else I could put there and yet, like the rich young man, I sometimes walk away sad at the steep price that Christ demands. May I learn to treasure Christ above all.
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