Scripture –

Isaiah 55:11 – so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Observation –  

God is comparing His word to rain and snow from verse 10 that can be used to provide seed to the sower and bread to eat.  God’s word is the seed that we use to sow whenever we are reading, sharing with or praying for someone.  God’s word is powerful and the Spirit will use the word to convict someone whether they are not a believer, need prayer for a situation or require correction.  The word of God is living and provides fresh bread to the reader. When the word of God goes out, it shall not return void.  God tells us His word will accomplish what He sent it.

Application –

This verse helps me think about the importance of being in the word and sharing scripture to help others.  This means I must know the word and rely on the Spirit to lead me with the right seed to plant. Certainly our own testimony, experience and lifecan be a powerful witness.  The word of God is unchanging truth that can build up, teach, correct and equip according to God’s purpose without fail.  This is why we want to allow the Spirit guide us to point someone to God’s word so it is His word going out for His reason that will carry out His work.  The word of God is the most powerful thing and so impactful when you share in comparison to just telling someone or thinking for yourself this is what you should do.  If I don’t have the answer for a situation, I need to go to the word.  

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for the unchanging truth and power in your word.  Let me be in your word and have the Spirit guide me with the right scripture that accomplishes your will.

9/28/20 Monday

Journal Ps 119:25-48 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works…for I find my delight in your commandments (which I love)…I will lift up my hands toward your commandments (which I love) and I will meditate on your statutes…my hope is in your rules…” excerpts from Ps 119:27; 47-48; 43b

 

Observation:  Looks like a very large part of Psalms 119 is worship of and because of the Word of God.  If I thought very hard, I wonder if I would remember a time where, after seeing a particular section of scripture, I just sat back, lifted my hands, and worshipped?

I am thinking now and coming up with nothing.  I don’t think that is good…

Analysis:  Reading today, and wondering about what I was reading, Mary and Martha showed up in my gray matter between my ears.

Thinking about it, these two women are the poster children for the “Let’s go and DO!” verses “Wait on the Lord.”  I would say that these are two sides to the same coin, but I have seen a lot of folks pay attention to one side and ignore the other.

In my mind, I would say I am balanced between both (fairly, anyway)—but the mirror always tends to give a skewed and favorable ego reflection.  Takes work to get through the self–“pat on the back” stage and listen to the Spirit’s evaluation of me.  He tends to be blunt, if you know what I mean…

Still, I would rather do nothing and wait on the Lord than to go off all enthusiastic and half-cocked.  Candidly, I know this is a shaky position, but I don’t know of anything better just yet.

At the same time, what better can I do in this time given by God than to “delight in his commands?”  To kindle a love for His Word?

A ton of folks I grew up with would vehemently crow against “my hope is in your rules” because that would “be against the Spirit” and tantamount in being a Pharisee.  But that is not what the Psalmist is writing at all…

I just got off Hebrews and reviewing “foundations” (or the lack of) and here I am in Ps 119 reviewing “love My Word, love My precepts, love My doctrine, love My law”—not just “love” like in I have a favorable inclination of emotion towards it, but “love” as in DELIGHT which drives me to worship.

I wonder what the Hebrew word is for delight?

Prayer:  Lord, the more I read, the more I am seeing that delighting in your word has emphasis; maybe more so than doing stuff.

Step by step, moment by moment, one block upon another—learn by building on a strong foundation of good, godly doctrine…that’s the ticket.  AMEN

9/27/20 Sunday

Journal Ps 119:1-24 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Oh, that my ways be steadfast in keeping your commandments…With my whole heart I seek you…With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.  In the way of your testimonies I delight…I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eye on your ways.  I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word…My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times…Your testimonies are my delight…”  excerpts from Ps 119:5; 10; 13-16; 20; 24

 

Observation:  Check out the longing the Psalmist has for His Word!!  He writes a song of praise using definitive action words and describes a desperation in knowing more.

Where does this describe me?

Analysis: I guy I know, in answer to a question, said this about idols once upon a time: “When I have an opportunity to think about ANYTHING I want to think about, what do I think about?  Whatever that is, whenever that is— that is the desire of your heart.”

Psalm 119 is broadly about the Supremacy of God’s Word; the utter delightfulness of finding myself in it.  The Psalmist is wrapping himself in positive declarations of savoring the Word of God.

I don’t.  Not all the time anyway.  Really, out of all my waking minutes of each day, only a few, a small percentage is “delighting in His commands; mediating on His precepts” and the like.

In fact, most of the time my mind wanders into ANYTHING but the Bible.  It is like there is a strong tide, a current, that takes me anywhere away from the things of God, especially His Word, His doctrine, His precepts.

I hit on this the other day while writing (an unabashed plug for all to practice writing—you never know what the Holy Spirit will bring to light): I have practiced faith like it was an exercise of being pig-headed, obstinate, jaw set, arrogant stubbornness.  Ok, if I didn’t know any better, but if days, weeks, months, and years go by and I am still confessing and practicing faith by being stubborn—that isn’t ok.

John Calvin: “Faith is ultimately a firm and certain knowledge of God’s benevolence toward us, founded upon the truth of the freely given promise in Christ, both revealed to our minds and sealed upon our hearts by the Holy Spirit.”

Faith is never given to the statement, “I don’t have to understand, that is what faith is for…”  This is idolatry.

The Psalmist(s) of Chapter 119:1-24 writes implicitly of two things: 1) the plain statements of where I fall short, and; 2) the target of what I should long for.

What is more preferable for me?

Prayer:  Father, the longer I want to walk in Your Ways, the more I want to walk in Your Ways.  This statement sounds goofy but, for me, it is accurate.  I am not satisfied in my pursuit of You, but, man alive, You do satisfy my soul.  You are the bread of life.  Your word is like honey on my lips, the treasure for my soul.  AMEN

9/26/20 Saturday

Journal Heb 13 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God.  Consider the outcome of their way of life….and imitate their faith.

 

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls (as those who will have to give an account).  Let them do this with joy—and not with groaning—for that would be of no advantage to you.”

 

Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever.” Heb 13:7; 17; and 9

 

Observation: Obedience to an outside source…I am ok with being obedient to God, but to a leader, someone I know?

Analysis: It would be easy to just repeat these verses and say: “Ok, go to it” and not add in my mind, “fat chance of that.”

Why is that?  In my case, I would confess I struggle with the confidence it takes to be obedient.  Let me think: Fear is from mistrust; mistrust is from unbelief; fear leads to self-protection; self-protection is independence; independence is declaring “God, I will protect myself, I will do it myself” and thus, independence is not being dependent on God’s sufficiency and is the root of Sin.  Feels different when I review the Sin facet (why do I deserve God’s wrath?) of the Jewel of the Gospel, doesn’t it?  That’s what it means?  Really?

I think these verses are dealing with the local church specifically, but I wonder if it shouldn’t also be a footnote to the assignment and expectation that God makes to a husband and wife?

I think of “leaders”: These two verses put an awful lot of pressure on them to follow God right; with exhibited results of their life and the way they conduct themselves with their spouse, their family, friends, and within the local church, etc.

And, when I consider them, look upon them, etc.…. the Word indicates I should imitate them.  IMITATE them!  IMITATE them?  Really?  Answer: Yes, really.

That kind of pressure can be overwhelming—if the attitude is “I am on display to gain or lose.”

What about if I extrapolate this to a husband/wife relationship?  Husband: I am always being judged; I can’t win.  Wife: I will submit to him when I find him trustworthy.  Pastors and local leaders get the same attitude from the congregation.

So, how to address this?  Same as always:

• Pastors and local church leaders: Put aside fear.  Put your big boy pants on and cling desperately and humbly to the Gospel.  Look in the mirror candidly and confess thoroughly and often.  Aspire to be worthy of being imitated.
• Congregation: Put aside all fear and judgement leading to condemnation of the leadership.  Put your big boy (and girl) pants on and cling desperately and humbly to the Gospel.
• Husbands: Put your big boy pants on and cling desperately and humbly to the Gospel.  Display the servant leadership that Jesus displayed, with kindness, gentleness, and firmly face toward the Kingdom.  Lead, even if you are by yourself.
• Wives: (you may have the hardest job of all) Put aside all fear, firmly repudiate it as sin, and cling desperately to the Gospel.

It is without wonder that the Writer reminds me that Jesus is unchanging, period.  As in the post for Heb 3, I have to “Consider Jesus”—he is worthy of my trust; he is worthy to repudiate my fear (not be afraid); he is worthy to “take the long view” in my Christian walk—not to worry about today (do not be anxious) and trust in him in all things for tomorrow.

Prayer: Father, that idea of “putting my big boy pants on” is a vivid picture for me.  It reminds me to be an adult, be in pursuit of maturity, resolutely chasing after you and to earnestly act with honor, avoiding shame.

Writing these things are good for me.  It keeps me focused upon you.  AMEN

Scripture

VS 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin let us run with endurance the race that is set before us

Vs 2  looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross

 

Vs 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

 

Vs 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord …”

 

Vs 7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons.

VS 10 …  he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.

Vs 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

 

Vs 12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees …

vs 26 … he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”

 

Vs 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe

 

Observation

The author has built up the greatness of who Jesus is and the greatness of those faithful heroes of the past.

Given these truths, we are to now live well, with enduring faith, and disciplined righteousness.

 

The author also ends with a significant hope for the weary, yet faithful, reader.

Beyond His saving sacrifice, Jesus has promised to return and make all things right again in His kingdom!

 

Application

Why do I get frustrated when life is not wonderful?

Why should I expect things to be great and terrific all the time?

When have they ever been so? … for anybody? … Even the faithful heroes of the Bible? … Even for Jesus, Himself?!

 

The word “endure” is used a lot in this chapter. … But who wants to “endure” anything?!

“Enduring” sounds like struggling, suffering, or “just getting through” something.

 

There’s a better way to “endure”, though.

Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him”.

 

The author uses another word a lot in this chapter … “discipline”.

I need to accept whatever struggle comes my way as “discipline”.

 

“Discipline” is for my good. Discipline is a training … a forming … a shaping me into something.

If a block of marble could feel, certainly a chisel would hurt … but it becomes beautiful when an artist holds the chisel.

If clay could know pain, certainly being spun and shaped would seems cruel … until it was shaped into what it was made for.

 

I must “endure” whatever “discipline” comes my way, and do so trusting the Father is good.

Jesus endured the cross.

Yet, Jesus still promises the Kingdom.

 

When I feel most frustrated that things are miserable and need to be “shaken up”,

I can rest in hope that things will be.

 

Jesus will “shake things up” “once more”.

Everything will be made new … and right.

 

Therefore, today I can “lift my drooping hands” and “run the race with endurance” and “not grow weary”!

 

Prayer

Thank You, God, for your word

Thank you for the witnesses who’ve come before me

Thank you, Jesus, for salvation and your promises

Help me, Spirit, to live like I believe them

For your kingdom now and to come

In Jesus name

Amen

Scripture
Heb 11 [25] He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. [26] He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.

Observation
Moses could have continued to live a life of luxury and privilege; a life certain to bring  plenty more pleasures of this world.  But he chose to be faithful to God and his people instead of continuing with all the earthly sinful pleasures.

Application
We are probably all confronted with situations were we need to make similar decisions.  Maybe not as extreme as leaving a life of total luxury and privilege into one of suffering and mistreatment, but still similar.  In the business world – will I honor God in all by business decisions or go along with a business decision that is intentionally misleading, knowing that the worldly gains would be much higher?  My faithfulness to God is stronger than that and I know my reward is way bigger than any short term gratification in this life.

Prayer
Lord help be to follow Your way, stay focused on Your promise, and glorify You in all I do, not getting caught up in what may seem like little sins for immediate pleasure in this life.

9/23/20 Wednesday

Journal Heb 10 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture:  “Therefore, brothers, SINCE we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), and SINCE we have a great priest over the house of God, (because of this) let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

 

And let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for (because) he who promised is faithful.

 

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together (as is the habit of some), but encouraging one another and all the more (because) as you see the Day drawing near.”  Heb 10:19-25

 

Observation:  I think I see the exclusion of the word “Because…”  It is implied, of course, but is easily forgotten…

The Writer of Hebrews lays out a case on “why” things are done throughout Chapter 1 through 9.  Something to remember for me to embrace…

Analysis:  It is easy to skip over the hard parts and go right to the “greeting card” quote of stirring one another up, etc.

I did (and am still doing) that very same thing all…. the…… time.  Every day.  It is what I remember; way more than the teaching about the Old Covenant practices vs. the New Covenant explanation found earlier in Hebrews.

But I shouldn’t rest on finding the “greeting card” quotes and stopping there.  The Holy Spirit wrote all of Hebrews that I would have and understand the profound basis of my Faith.

I look at “hold fast the confession of (my) hope without wavering” and see why for so long I confessed my faith as an act of stubbornness—because I didn’t spend time to check out the “Therefore’s” and “Since’s” and all of the various “because’s” in v19.  Shucks, I conveniently and actively forget Chapters 1-9 which leads up to v19 and beyond.

Why am I reminding myself of this?  It is because I can get lazy and forget the width and breadth of what Christ has done and the surpassing greatness of his work on the Cross.

Sounds like Christianese, right?  That “Christian speak” that people can lapse into when they want to sound impressive.  I am far from impressive, but I desperately want to THINK like this—because, if I do, then maybe, just maybe I have a chance of remembering, not “why did You do it?” but “WHY did you do it for me?”

Prayer:  Father, I appreciate that journaling isn’t like teaching.  It is pulling up my own thoughts and feelings and putting them on e-paper.  It is a method for reflection, meditation, and review—especially for the future when I can reflect on my thinking and reasoning about You and Your Word.

I have dreams and aspirations, less than what I had as a youth, but no less burning in me today.  Please guide me and take me to the places You want me to be, according to Your wisdom and purpose.  AMEN

Scripture –

Isaiah 41:10 – fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 

Observation –

God has chosen his people and He is telling them not to worry for God is with them.  God will strengthen, help and uphold His people with His mighty and righteous hand.

Application –

Fear is the headline of the day across most media outlets bouncing from virus to unrest.  Fear can create anxiety and can be used to control.  When we focus on the uncertain and pending dangers, it is likely to cause concern.  Rather, God is reassuring His people that He is with them and not to be fearful.  We know that God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to take on the sins of the world so we can repent and have a relationship with God.  Jesus is alive and the Great Commission tells us He is with us till the end of the age.  We have the power of the Spirit that resurrected Jesus from the tomb living in us.  This is a Spirit of power not of fear.  When we walk with God we go in His strength not our own.

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for your truth, steadfast love that you are always with us and we can cast our burdens on you to help and hold us.

Journal Heb 8 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “…Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the Old (Covenant) as the Covenant he mediates is better (since it is enacted on better promises).  For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second…

 

For he finds fault with them when he says:

Behold days are coming (declares the Lord), when I will establish a new Covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—not like the covenant that I made with their fathers….

 

For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days (declares the Lord):

I will put my laws into their minds and write them on their hearts and I will be their God and they shall be my people.  And they shall not teach each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, “Know the Lord”, for they shall ALL know me (from the least of them to the greatest); for I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” Excerpts from Heb 8:6-12

 

Observation:  What are the characteristics of people covered in the New Covenant vs. the Old?

Analysis: What does a believer look like?

The Writer of Hebrews makes a biblical distinction, using the words of the prophet Jerimiah.  Doing it that way makes it an objective statement (the Word of the Lord) rather than a subjective statement (the word out of my mouth).  The reference is a statement of Judgement, both Evaluative (critique) and Criticizing (disapproving).

There is such a difference in “man-pleasing” or “eye-wash” religious conduct and “word-burning in minds and heart” conduct.  This stuff can’t really be evaluated from the outside by man, but only from God (who sees the heart).  However, most folks can use the smell test and get a clue.  Remember the story of the Pharisee and the tax-collector at Temple…

Whether I can tell about someone else (or not) is not the question concerning this scripture; it is being fiercely transparent to the face in the mirror AND to others.

The “and to others” is as important as transparency in confession to the Holy Spirit.  I think it is like this: I can be transparent to the Holy Spirit because I can’t escape His holy notice.  However, I can continue to fool those around me UNLESS I confess my faults—including what I know about my heart—to others.  It is humility in baseline action—the LEAST of what I am accountable for before Him.

I blew my top at my wife this afternoon.  I lost all semblance of self-control.  I became the poster-boy of why I need the Gospel daily because that one outburst (without the Gospel) consigns me to the Wrath of God against Sin.

I am crushed still.  I HATE sin.  I desperately want what Jerimiah prophesized that His Law will be my heartbeat and will be written on the stony tablet of my heart.  This must be the desire of hearts.  It is why I must acknowledge the Blood of Jesus for my sin every day.

Prayer: Why, o why, dear Lord, do I go through the dance of putting one step forward and then two steps back?  Sounds like the hokey pokey.

Father: change my heart so that my conduct (both seen and unseen) is pleasing to You—not for purposes of acceptance, but for the only reason that I want You to be pleased with me.  AMEN

Journal Heb 7 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.

 

The former priests were many in number (because they were prevented by death from continuing in office), but (Jesus) holds his priesthood permanently because he continues forever.  Consequently, (Jesus) is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God THROUGH him since he always lives to make intercession for them.

 

For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest: holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

 

He has no need (like those high priests) to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people—since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.

 

For the law appoints men (in their weakness) as high priests, but the word of the oath—which came later than the law—appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.”  Heb 7:22-28

 

Observation:  The book of Hebrews explains why Jesus is the New Covenant answer to the Old Covenant and that the Old Covenant is complete with Jesus.

Analysis: “Jesus is the answer for the world today…” is the beginning line of an old song by Andre Crouch and the Disciples.

The writer of Hebrews is taking the precept by precept approach (of sorts) to explain why that is applied to the Old Covenant.

In the above passage there are 4 reasons why Jesus is the guarantor of a better covenant:

1. Priests die and are replaced; Jesus is THE priest forever and will never be replaced.
2. Jesus will always be available to make intercession between man and God.
3. Jesus is holy, innocent, unstained by sin—not like Levitical priests.  These Levitical priests had to offer sacrifices for themselves before making intercessional sacrifices for others.
4. Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice, the Atonement before God, that will NEVER have to be repeated.

Earlier, in chapter 3, the Writer refers to “our boast in our hope.”  There is a difference in expressing faith between being dogmatic and stubborn expression (“I have faith, I will not be moved”) and being knowledgeable and convinced (“I have faith BECAUSE…”).

I remind myself daily of the “because” of my faith.  Not only reverting and resting in the stuff I was told leading up to my conversion, but of everything that the Holy Spirit has been faithful to build in me since (because of pursuing Him).  It is that “going on to maturity” (Chap 3) that is imperative in establishing an immovable, firm foundation—the reason for my boasting in my hope!

Prayer:  Lord God, again I thank you for the opportunity to put my thoughts into words.  I reminded myself this morning, in a period of devotions with my wife, that I write to remind myself of what I know, what I need to know, and how to put my nose to the grindstone in searching after You.  If others read, that is Your movement.  I need this.

Establish wisdom in me, O Lord, after your ways.  AMEN

Journal Heb 6 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Therefore, let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity—not laying again a foundation of:

• repentance from dead works and of
• faith towards God; (and) of
• instructions about washings,
• the laying on of hands,
• the resurrection of the dead, and
• eternal judgement.

 

And this we will do if God permits.

 

For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit; and have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the powers of the age to come—and then have fallen away—to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt…” Heb 6:1-6

 

Observation: Repetition is the mother of knowledge.  When I see the word “therefore”, I should see what it is “there for?”  So why is the writer of Hebrews talking about leaving elementary subjects and moving on to maturity…when I don’t even know what he is talking about?

Analysis:  I know I have not made any attempt to unpack Heb 6 beyond verse 10, where a promise and nice observation is: “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love you have shown for his name in serving the saints (as you still do).”

I have tried (in my past) to define the beginning as stuff I need to know, but candidly, these six subjects don’t get talked about much and certainly not in an organized structure.

Then again, if I categorize these subjects in the broader description “Doctrine”, then the murkiness becomes clearer and the emphasis is better understood.  If I had to describe it further, the Writer is describing a catechism.

As I grew older as a Christian, I have often wondered why the subject of ‘catechism’ is so often resisted.  I sort of know that this came developing attitudes in the 1900’s about “religion being a private matter of a person” and thus, doctrinal teaching is irrelevant—anybody can believe anything they want.

But what does teaching doctrine do?  Like the Writer is implying, it grounds a believer in certain things so that other, more mature subjects and attitudes can be layered upon that foundation.  At that point, Faith is not based upon a “gritting of teeth” or any particular stubbornness of mental energy.  Faith becomes stronger because the doctrines of God’s Word are planted and are growing where I become more knowledgeable and (gasp) mature.

Learning is that function where I am transforming my mind (Ro 12), preparing for the work of service (Eph 6), and becoming able to make a defense for my hope or correcting a brother but with gentleness and respect. (1 Pete 3 and 2^nd Tim 2).  Doctrine is that systematic approach that makes learning efficient.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, it seems I am always juggling between two factors: being Spiritual and being Pragmatic.  I am finding out that these are not exclusive, but inclusive—but handling the two is a mental chore.  Thank you that being “spiritually guided” is not separate from being guided by the Word.  What is more difficult is relying on my own experience and worldly, fleshly knowledge to make spiritual decisions.  Sometimes I can’t help being in that position and that is where I cry out to you.

But the more I pack your Word in my heart AND brain, organize it properly according to sound doctrine, then I can rein in my fleshly experience and submit it to godly Wisdom.  AMEN

Hebrews 5

Scripture

 

Vs 2 (The chief priest) can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.

 

Vs 7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death

Vs 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.

Vs 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him

 

12 … you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God.

14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

 

Observation

 

The author is describing the difference between the human chief priest and the greater chief priest … Jesus.

The human priest is sinful and weak … like everyone else.

Jesus, the priest, is perfect. Therefore able to be the source of salvation for everyone else.

 

There was a way Jesus lived while here, “in the flesh” … Perfect.

He prayed. He experienced pain.

And He did so with perfection.

 

There is a way I am now to respond … Mature.

“Dealing gently with the ignorant” … because I am “weak”.

Yet, growing in maturity … because I understand the principles of God and can discernment and practice good.

 

Application

 

Lot’s of “P’s” stand out to me in this chapter about the “Priest”.

3 “P’s about Jesus & 3 “P’s” about me.

 

Jesus “offered up” in His life:

Prayer – “supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death”

Pain – “He learned obedience through what he suffered”

Perfection – “being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him”

 

Therefore, if I understand those “basic Principles of the oracles of God” (another “P”), I will now live in:

Posture of gentleness – “deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness”

Power of discernment – “powers of discernment trained”

Practice of good – “constant practice to distinguish good from evil”

 

I will not grasp any of this, however, if I am “unskilled in the word of righteousness”.

If I lack an understanding of the word, then I am “a child”, (vs 13)

 

I can know and understand from the word, that Jesus offers me HIS Prayer, endured HIS Pain, and grants HIS Perfection.

When I embrace these truths, I can, in all confidence, and strength, and with maturity, deal gently with the wayward, wisely discern, and constantly practice the good.

 

Prayer

 

Thanks you, God, again for your word

Help me Spirit to hear it and read it and understand it

Show me where I need to live it today and always

Forgive me when I fail in my weakness

In Jesus name

Amen

 

Journal Heb 3 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture:  “Therefore, holy brothers—you who share in a heavenly calling—consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him (just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house).

 

For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself.  (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.)

 

Now, Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken of later, but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son.

 

And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.” Heb 3:1-6

 

Observation: “Consider Jesus…”  Now, how do I do that?  Do I do that?

 

Analysis:  I was thinking last night about this chapter of Hebrews, and it occurs to me that I have seen this before.  Not specifically, but generally through the letters of Paul and John and now the writer of Hebrews.

What am I seeing?  Each of the writers presents a basis on what is the foundation on what I believe.

If I look and consider the scriptures carefully, I see the broad statements of:

• Here is God in all his splendor and wonder;
• Here is his Son in whom he invested the responsibility of all things;
• Here are the reasons that my faith is valid, and;
• Therefore, do and don’t be afraid.

This is very condensed, and I see some fault—it could be tighter—but is essentially true.  And it leads me to…

Consider Jesus.

I look at everything I have ever promoted: Why worship?  Because Jesus is worthy.  Why is there a church?  Because Jesus is worthy.  Why do I obey the Word of God, the scriptures?  Because Jesus is worthy.  In a few more verses, chapter 3 reminds me to encourage others so that sin will not deceive them.  How to encourage?  Because Jesus is worthy.

The great commission, the believers mandate to witness.  Why?  Because Jesus is worthy.

I boast in my hope of salvation.  Why?  Because Jesus is worthy.  Every benefit I receive from the Atoning work of Jesus is based upon the worthiness of Jesus to be able to provide that.

The throng of heaven described in Revelation is focused upon “Worthy is the Lamb.”  The writer of Hebrews from the first word to the last is about “Consider Jesus, who alone is worthy for all praise and glory.”

Is “Considering Jesus” the drumbeat of my soul?

Prayer: Father, if it isn’t, then I really need to change my mind about things.

I realize I can get tied up in Scripture reading, studying and singing, talking, and thinking about many of the things you give me to renew my mind about, to make obedience in, etc.  But if You, Lord, are not the foundational, considered, and acknowledged core of all I do, what am I?

Make me a fierce disciple, Lord.  AMEN

 

Heb 4

Scripture:

[11] Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. [12] For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. [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.

Observation:

Faith is not passive, it must be active.  Entering God’s rest requires action on our part.

We are given God’s living Word not only to get to know him, but to hear from him, so speak with him.

Even if we want to, we cannot hide from God knowing our heart, our every thought and intention. He knows if our faith is an active faith.

Application:

This is active faith. God’s rest is there for us but we must “strive to enter that rest”. I’m not saying that entering into God’s rest is accomplished by works, but that knowing Jesus, trusting Him, and walking with Him requires action. Accepting Jesus as our Savior is not the end of the race, it is the beginning of a new walk. As Heb 12:1 says.. let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus.. That certainly doesn’t sound like, get baptized and relax.  Just saying..

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the promise of your rest. Lord you know me better than I know myself. Shape me, mold me, use me. I will listen. Show me how you want to use me and I will glorify you and run the race. In Jesus glorious name I pray, amen.

Scripture –

Isaiah 28:16 – therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation:  Whoever believes will not be in haste.

 

Observation –

This is the word of the Lord and in the preceding verse 15, God says the people have made lies their refuge and taken shelter in falsehood.  God has laid the foundation in Zion in a tested and precious cornerstone on which we can rely.  The precious cornerstone which is the only true and solid foundation is Jesus Christ.  Those who believe in Jesus as their Lord and savior can cast their burdens on Him for rest.

Application –

In this time, we may be tempted and hear many voices other than that of Jesus which do not represent the truth.  We cannot rely on earthly insight as Jesus is the way, the truth and the light and the word will stand forever unchanged.  I have to trust in Jesus and build my house on His solid foundation to weather the storms that are here and those forthcoming.

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for your grace in saving me.  Let me live a life of faith by loving you and others.  May the power of the Spirit guide me in prayer, action and speech to edify all and honor you.