Tag: Hebrews

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The Forever Principle

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Hebrews 8:1-13

Recently I watched a documentary on Anti-Semitism. After the atrocities of WW2, Jewish children of the Holocaust were brought to England, clothed and fed, and put into homes where they were cared for and educated. What happened to that spirit? It was shocking, for me, to see how subtly Satan has convinced some believers today, that the Jews are no longer God’s chosen people, that they are evil and the source of the world’s evils. What happened to the ‘forever principle’?

It began with God’s promise to Abram of land that would be forever his, belonging to Abram’s offspring forever (Genesis 13:15). This was an unconditional promise. God’s faithfulness could be seen even when His people were slaves in Egypt “I will bring you to the land I promised….”(Exodus 6:8) Throughout captivities which befell the people of Israel as the consequence of disobedience, God has remained faithful to this promise. The land, a tiny portion compared to some of the empires of our world, has become a hot spot of political controversy throughout human history. Why is this vital spot so significant? It is the battleground between good and evil, God and Satan.

When Solomon finished building the Temple in Jerusalem God promised His eyes and His heart would always be there forever (1 Kings 9:3). His very name would be there forever. There was an “if” to this promise. It was conditioned on the faithfulness of the king and his people (:6-7). Sadly we see that Israel today has largely rejected God – so many are atheists. But there is a remnant. Who are they and what do we know about God’s promises to them? First of all God’s judgment caused a diaspora which effects Jews today. Jeremiah was given insight into a future, which we see has come to pass. God told him “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of My pasture…..I Myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture” (Jeremiah 23:1-3). This was accomplished in 1948.

When Jesus Christ came to earth He was followed for many reasons – some were curious about His way of teaching through parables. Others sought healing miracles. Some were fascinated by the way He could feed crowds of people from minimal resources. A few saw Him as who He said He was – the long-awaited Messiah (John 1:41, 4:25, Matthew 28:18-20). He declared Himself to be the good Shepherd! (John 10:11) Through Him we see God’s promise renewed by Paul. God said “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal [past history]. So, too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace”! (Romans 11:4-5). Also notice God’s new covenant with Israel recorded in Hebrews 8:8-10.

In the twentieth century the land was restored to the Jews who are still God’s people. Among them are obedient followers of Jesus Christ, God’s Son. One of the most influential Christians of our times is a Jewish man with dual citizenship with Israel and the USA. Joel Rosenberg has ties with Arabs, Jews and believing Christians, carrying out God’s ancient promise that the gospel would be from the Jews to the nations of the world. God’s ‘forever principle’ remains true. Jews have suffered for their sins, but as God’s chosen people, they will always be the conduit by which salvation through Jesus Christ came to the world!

Reflection: Gentiles have the joyous privilege of being grafted into the Vine (Romans 11:17-21). Jesus called himself the Vine (John 15:1). Salvation and eternal life are for everyone, but the land which God promised to the Jews, is forever theirs, a visual reminder of God’s faithfulness. This is the forever principle!

It is to the Holy Mount in Jerusalem that the King of the Jews, Jesus, will one day return.

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign

forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15)

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A Difficult Scripture

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Hebrews 6:4-6

Solomon, famous for his pithy proverbs, said some things we might rather overlook. Why on earth would he remind us of the unsavoury fact that a dog will return to its vomit? Why would the Apostle Peter repeat this proverb as though it held an important message? “Why” questions are helpful in leading us to examine difficult circumstances. If we are truly asking “Why” then we will search until we get the answer.

Proverbs chapter 26 majors on a theme in verses 1-12. Solomon takes the liberty of describing a fool. Using examples from nature, he suggests that snow in summer is as profitable as would be honouring a fool. They themselves are slaves of depravity, yet they promise freedom – what a picture of today where licentiousness is rampant. Even some of those who have a little knowledge of our Saviour’s mercy and grace, will sometimes fall back or as Solomon says, like a dog will return to its vomit.

Peter picks up this theme when he reflects on the problem of a person committed to following Jesus Christ and then changing his or her mind. Will they return to their old life-style with any sense of assurance that they will be welcomed in heaven? How many people have wanted to know they will go to heaven when they die, but have presumed upon the Saviour’s goodness and mercy by returning to their “vomit”?

According to Hebrews, it seems to be impossible for anyone having tasted of the heavenly gift [of faith] to be brought back to repentance, if they fall away (Hebrews 6:4-6). Are there no extenuating circumstances for those who backslide, or for those who choose to live carnal Christian lives? The problem is that people, taking for granted that a shallow declaration of faith will suffice, have not really tasted. “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8). They wouldn’t, couldn’t give up the great joy that comes from seeing the goodness of God working in their own lives, from knowing the freedom that comes from forgiveness of sin!

Not being rooted and grounded in the love of God, do people care if they shame the very One in whom they say they have put their trust? This vacillation brings Jesus’ loving sacrifice into public disgrace. We make Him a laughing-stock. Not only that but it is equal to putting Him to death on the cross all over again. (Hebrews 6:6)

This passage of scripture has been debated by many theologians because it reflects on the possibility of losing one’s salvation, which other scriptures assure us is not possible. (Philippians 1:6, John 10:28-29). Hebrews also tells us one cannot be saved a second time (12:6).

Strong words used in this chapter are also used in other places in the book. Believers are cautioned to remember the early days of faith when their passion for the “light” drove them to defend the faith, even in the face of suffering. This is what it means to be truly enlightened! (Hebrews 10:32).

Reflection:

Our Master was willing to taste death for everyone (Hebrews 2:9). Sharing in God’s holiness may require the Godly discipline exemplified by our Lord. Let’s remember there is a vast difference from yielding to temptation and choosing to live a life of sin. If we truly follow our Lord, we demonstrate that we receive enlightenment from the Holy Spirit on our daily journey. As a result we must be willing to learn, to be disciplined, maybe even to taste death. This may make us face some difficult choices.

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TODAY!

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Hebrews 3:7

History carries a certain charm for some folks, myself included. I love to study the nature of human beings throughout the ages, their intellectual accomplishments, the passions that drove them to do exploits, their gifts in art and music. It is fascinating to review how environment, education and experience form waves of thought that colour culture through eons of time.

Yesterday I watched a program on Alexandria in Egypt, developed and named after the great Alexander of Greece. Here, in the place where he put his name Alexander planned to bring all knowledge, to build a library like no other, complete in science, medicine, history, education and the arts. What a goal! Brilliant minds of men and women were drawn into his vision, making Alexandria the hub of the intelligentia of that day.

The hostess of my TV program enthusiastically led us step by step through stages of growth in this great city. Of course there was reference to religious ideology and the role it played. Many studied a variety of religious philosophies. When the new religion Christianity was brought by Mark, many converts were won to this faith. He became one of the first Christian martyrs because exception was taken to his preaching. Mark announced Jesus is the only way to God, in the midst of a multi-religious milieu. How daring! After all, it would seem, said our young hostess, that for centuries many religions had lived together there in peace and harmony, so why disrupt the status quo?

Years later a Christian leader came who was interested in more than just religion – he wedded it with politics, causing uproar in the city. This culminated in its final destruction. In the ensuing riots treasured historical artifacts were destroyed, and unfortunately, lives were lost.

I asked myself what our gentle Saviour would have thought. He came to bring love and peace and joy; the Holy Spirit produces this fruit in the lives of believers does He not? Was this the way Jesus recommended when He told His followers to live peaceably with all men as much as possible? (Mark 9:50).

Forward 2000 years. Today! Our world is in chaos. Even Canada has been under attack. There is uproar by the media when someone mentions the truth about one way to God.

The question is – How are we going to respond? Sadly I hear Christians talking hatefully about those people groups who disagree with the Bible. Jesus recommended a practical point. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45). This was a new doctrine, unknown in the Old Testament, where an eye for an eye was practised.

Today I remember that more than 65 years ago the love of Jesus touched my heart. I was well aware I was a naughty child. I have made bad choices from time to time and am sure I have grieved the heart of God. Did He give up on me? No!…and among those who do not yet know Jesus, even those who like Paul are persecuting Christians, there may be those who will become children of the kingdom. For this reason alone we must love them enough to pray for them.

Reflection:

But the Lord Jesus didn’t just sit in heaven praying for the Israelites to get their perspective on God right. He became personally engaged in their spiritual struggle. He loved, to the death. Is it possible that today He calls us, His representatives on earth to do the same?

How do Jesus’ ambassadors represent Him on earth today?

Are you His representative in word and in deed?

Visit Marilyn Daniels at http://www.marilyndaniels.net

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Praise and Worship!

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Hebrews 13:15-16

 

As a child growing up, the emphasis in church seemed to be on reverence. We were taught to keep still and to be quiet. We sang with enthusiasm, but not clapping and certainly no hands were in the air, nor did we move to the music. Rhythm to my childish mind, equated to sinfulness. God, the object of our worship, was veiled in a mystery that commanded awe. After all He is Spirit. I remember one elderly lady who interjected some Pentecostal exclamations of “Praise the Lord!” “Hallelujah” much to the amazement of the adults and to the amusement of the kids. Our music was joyful, but reverent – the organist was accompanied by 2 violinists and a pianist. We seldom sang choruses unless it was a Sunday School or Youth event.

 

However, I also had opportunities, as a child, to worship God as I lay on the grass of the upper field watching the clouds float by, listening to bird-songs and the babbling brook running through a little forest of trees just off a cow pasture, in the fields beyond our home. My parents encouraged me to worship the Creator – not the creation itself, but the great God who designed this magnificent world for our pleasure.

 

Worship formed an integral part of life itself. We were taught that God is everywhere. This gave us a sense of accountability, as well as the comfort of His presence when we were in trouble. Worship lifts us out of the here and now, into another realm, a place of purity and perfection. It is very hard to put such a supernatural experience into words. But worship is also practical because we offer our gifts as an act of worship (Hebrews 13:16).

 

Worship differs from praise. These themes are closely linked and too fine a point can be made of the difference. Both praise and worship centre on God in gratitude for who He is as well as for what He does. Surely the Holy Spirit will define our gratitude as genuine when it comes from the heart.

 

“Here I am to worship,

Here I am to bow down,

Here I am to say that You’re my God!

Altogether lovely, altogether worthy, Altogether wonderful to me!”

-Hillsong.

There are many different ways to worship God. The Bible does not tell us we must always kneel. Sometimes we lift our hands towards heaven. At times we are awestruck into silence; at other times we must shout for joy to the Lord! Even the hills are described by the Psalmist as clapping their hands.

 

God requires only one thing when we come before Him in either praise or worship. Very clearly He demands we be genuine. “Stop bringing meaningless offerings (of praise)” (Isaiah 1:13). “These people…… honour Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me” (Isaiah 29:13). “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of Praise – the fruit of lips that confess His name” (Hebrews 13: 15). This genuine praise can only be born of love – that exquisite certainty which calls forth a human response prompted by the loving heart of God.

 

It is easy to get carried away in the moment as we raise our voices in corporate worship, but God knows the intention of our hearts. This is at once challenging and comforting!

 

Jesus said: “God is a spirit and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”

 

Reflection:

When does worship bring you greatest pleasure? Are you conscious of the object being God?

What joy does the heart of God experience when we truly worship Him?

Do you distinguish between praise and worship? If so why?

Visit Marilyn at: http://www.marilyndaniels.net