Hebrews 11

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Thursday, Aug 2: Hebrews 11

In this great chapter, we are given the definition of faith: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” The Hebrew writer then opens up the Scriptures and recounts the thread of faith that is woven through all the ancient stories of Hebrew history.

I’d like to open our discussion up a bit and ask you: how would you define faith? How have you seen faith at work, either in your life or in someone else’s? Let’s create a place to share some of our own “faith stories” here. I’d love to hear them if you’re comfortable sharing them.

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Hebrews 10

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Wednesday, Aug 1: Hebrews 10

Notice the all-sufficient nature of the sacrifice of Christ:
v4: “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”
But this only highlights the sufficiency of the Christ-sacrifice:
v10: “And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
v12: “But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God…”
v14: “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”

It’s as if the Hebrew writer is totally deconstructing the necessity of sacrifice in light of the ultimate sacrifice: Jesus.

All of this leads us to draw near to God in full assurance of faith (v22), knowing that our hearts have been cleansed and our bodies washed with pure water. We are able to place our hope on the one who makes promises and is able to deliver on them (v23). And we now stir up our brothers and sisters to good works, encouraging them as we see the Great Day approaching quickly (v25).

However, there is also a word of warning in this chapter. We’re warned about the danger of deliberate sin, of the judgment rendered to those who would seek to abuse this sacrifice for sins (v26), “a fury of fire that will consumed the adversaries” (v27). To do so is to profane the blood of the covenant (v29). This is surely a fearful thing, to fall into the hands of the living God in such a manner (v31).

Yet, the writer reminds us that we’re called to endure suffering, understanding that we have a better, more abiding possession than any earthly treasure (v34). We should place our confidence here, in the Lord, in the future, for we are not the ones who shrink back and are destroyed; instead, we are the ones who endure in faith, preserving our souls (v39). This leads to the great chapter on faith in Hebrews 11.

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Hebrews 9

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Tuesday, July 31: Hebrews 9

Daily and yearly ritual was an essential part of Hebrew life, particularly with regard to the Levitical sacrificial system. The Hebrew writer sees this as a deficiency and he contrasts this with Christ’s activity: “He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption,” (v12). The quality of the better covenant is based upon a better sacrifice. The blood of goats and rams may have been enough to “roll forward” the sins of the people perpetually from year to year, but “how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God,” (v14).

The writer also sees another important difference in these covenants: the better covenant offers “the promised eternal inheritance,” (v15). This inheritance is included in the will (v16) of the one who has died — Christ, our high priest and sacrifice. His death was necessary to secure this inheritance for us, for “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins,” (v22).

And now, Christ lives — another indication of the superiority of the new covenant. For what sacrifice can claim to live after it has been consumed on the altar? But our Christ has now entered into the holy places, “heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf,” (v24). “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him,” (v27-28).

And we wait…

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Hebrews 8

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Monday, July 30: Hebrews 8

In Hebrews 8, the Hebrew writer continues to teach about Jesus’ role as our high priest. He contrasts the old covenant — represented by Melchizedek and the Levitical order — with the new covenant initiated by the blood of Jesus. The people of God once offered sacrifices on earth, “gifts according to the law” (v4). But now, “the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises,” (v6). This renders the old covenant “obsolete” (v13), no longer useful for approaching God.

To further flesh out his point, the writer turns to Jeremiah 31. God promises a new covenant “not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt.” Instead, this covenant will be embodied differently: “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.” No more will there be a need for teaching, “for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.” And best of all: “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”

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Hebrews 7

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Friday, July 27: Hebrews 7

The Hebrew writer begins this portion of his sermon by alluding back to the tradition surrounding Melchizedek. We first meet this mysterious figure on the heels of Abram’s rout of the kings of Canaan and rescue of his nephew Lot (Gen. 14). After his victory, Abraham is greeted by the king of Sodom in the Valley of Shaveh (also known as “King’s Valley”). Gen. 14:18: “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.)” The Hebrew writer sees this figure as the king of both righteousness and peace. But more than this: we see this leader as a mediator between God and the people. God’s activity is not strictly limited to Abraham and his descendants. God has many priests in many places. The Levitical order of priests is patterned after this ministry in God’s Holy City, long before Israel as a nation even existed.

As impressive as Melchizedek is — “He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever,” — Jesus emerges as a better mediator, “the guarantor of a better covenant,” (v22). On what basis? Look at the result of his mediation: “he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them,” (v25).

Save to the uttermost. What a powerful encouragement to us! He doesn’t save in part, but to the uttermost. And His saving ability is linked to His eternal nature. As surely as He lives today, He will save to the uttermost those who participate in His intercessory ministry. He has made the ultimate “once for all” sacrifice “when he offered up himself,” (v27).

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Hebrews 6

Posted on July 26, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Thursday, July 26: Hebrews 6

We’re reminded again of a sober truth: some will reject “maturity” (v1) by turning away from the faith. And this is most tragic. Hear what the Hebrew writer says in v4-6: “For it is impossible to restore again to repentance 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, if they then fall away, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.”

I have several friends who have turned away from the faith over the past few years. I’d like to read these verses in Hebrews as general statements, holding out hope that someday they’ll return as the result of some Prodigal Son moment. But part of our movement toward “maturity” is the recognition that these kinds of redemption stories are unfortunately rare.

The Hebrew writer moves toward encouragement once more here: “Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things – things that belong to salvation,” (v9). Blessings are in store for those who embrace God’s promises. God has no greater name to swear by; His promises bear the seal of His character. “So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath…We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul,” (v17, 19).

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Hebrews 5

Posted on July 26, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Wednesday, July 25: Hebrews 5

The Hebrew writer expands on his understanding of Jesus as our Great High Priest. As with Aaron, this is a calling for Christ, His appointed role to play. It must be a calling, for His ministry is one of pain: “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.” We’re reminded of Isaiah’s prophecy about a man of sorrows, familiar with suffering. It is this cup of suffering that Jesus prayed would pass as He writhed in Gethsemane. “If there is any other way, Father…

And we’re given another detail about his prayer life: “he was heard because of his reverence.” Notice it doesn’t say “he was answered” but only “he was heard”. Christ’s example is one of reverent acquiescence to God’s will as the ultimate sovereign in the universe. In the end, His intercession extends beyond the typical priestly mediation; He gives Himself up to become “the source of salvation to all who obey him,” (v9).

The Hebrew writer pauses here, noting that his teaching emphasis is rather remedial given his audience. “By this time you ought to be teachers,” (v12). But these early believers seem to be stuck in something of a rut. And this is strangely encouraging to us, those of us who struggle and clamor along the Way of faith. We realize that we’re not alone on this journey, that we have many fellow sojourners who have been right where we are presently. They needed to spend more time in prayer, more time in study. They struggled with some of the deeper concepts of theology and doctrine. They stumbled as they sought to love God and love others. But this little letter, this sermon, is written to encourage them in their faith.

And we take heart as well. For we need this same encouragement.

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Hebrews 4

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Tuesday, July 24: Hebrews 4

The precarious image of a young child walking on thin ice comes to mind as I read these first few chapters of Hebrews. The writer is fixated on the possibility of falling away from faith. He’s painfully aware of his fellow journeymates who have chosen to neglect this great salvation. “Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it,” (v1). Failure is most definitely an option here.

But the Hebrew writer matches this painful reality with an awareness of the present opportunity to embrace God’s promises. “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” This is the third time he’s quoted Ps. 95:7. The Hebrew writer wants us to experience God’s call in the present. Even for those who might have turned away, today marks a fresh opportunity for repentance, to accept God’s Sabbath rest. “So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his,” (v9-10).

God gifts us with His word as we journey toward this rest. This word is a living being in itself: “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. 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.” (v12-13). God’s word is powerful to reveal our hearts, to uncover us, to lay us bare. This is necessary if we are to enter God’s rest. We cannot enter encumbered by our burdens, our guilt, our shortcomings. These are stripped of us in our accounting before the Lord.

But how can we stand before Him in this manner? Surely He will reject us outright on account of our unbelief, our fears, and our sin! But it is precisely this point that the Hebrew writer anticipates as we sets forth this glorious truth: “Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (v14-16). Praise God! Through Jesus, we find mercy and grace! In Jesus, we have a great high priest who goes before us, who mediates on our behalf! In Jesus, we have One who understands, who sympathizes, who remembers all our sleepless nights and our laborious days and our temptations and anxieties and fears and doubts. These don’t merely pile up on the ledger against us; instead, they are met by an advocate who understands and sympathizes. And He responds with grace and mercy on our behalf.

This is truly Sabbath rest indeed.

Rest from our guilt.
Rest from our pain.
Rest from fear.
Rest from doubt.
Rest from achievement.
Rest from judgment.
Rest from sin.
Rest from death.

God’s Sabbath rest is the location of true life, life eternal.

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”

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Hebrews 3

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Monday, July 23: Hebrews 3

In chapter 3, the Hebrew writer draws us in by acknowledging our shared calling, a “heavenly calling”. Moses was called by a burning bush on Mt. Horeb (Exodus 3); but in these “last days”, God is speaking to us through His Son who is seated at the right hand (Heb. 1:3). “Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses…” (v3). He notes the faithfulness of Jesus with a present participle in v2, which should be translated “who IS faithful to him who appointed him.” The contrast is between Moses’ past faithfulness and Christ’s present tense faithfulness to the call of God. In v5, Moses’ faithfulness is equated with that of a servant, “but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son,” (v6). And this house is constituted by His followers: “And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.”

But the parallels between Jesus and Moses do not end here. For Moses was commissioned to lead the people through wilderness to the land of promise and rest. Jesus is tasked similarly to lead us faithfully to our Sabbath rest. Yet, the potential for falling away is as high for us as it was for Israel. “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God,” (v12). Unbelief is the self-imposed barrier to entering into God’s Sabbath rest. Rebellion, unfortunately, is always an option as we journey toward Canaan. But this word is a clarion call to batten down the hatches, to hunker down and endure by faith. “So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief,” (v19).

As the Hebrew writer will prove, faith is our most vital accessory as we pilgrim through wilderness together.

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Hebrews 2

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Friday, July 20: Hebrews 2

Chapter 2 begins with a sober warning: “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it,” (v1). A superior covenant requires superior attention to detail. If the Old Covenant was declared by angels, God commands our attention in these days as He proclaims through His Son. “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” (v3). This word salvation is used seven times in Hebrews, more than any other NT document. God’s action in Christ is to save us, to make us whole, to complete us in light of God’s full revelation.

It seems that infatuation with angels was en vogue as the Hebrew writer set out to preach. But he is quick to note that God did not turn the world to come over to angels (v5), but to one was at one time made a little lower than angels in order that he might now be “crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone,” (v9). What follows is incredibly rich: All things exist for and because of God (v10), the one who is bringing many sons to glory. I like how N.T. Wright translates v11: “For the one who makes others holy, and the ones who are made holy, all belong to a single family.”

In v14-15, we’re given two reasons for the Incarnation: first, to destroy the one who holds the power of death; and then, to liberate those who all their lives were enslaved by fear. Jesus participates in our life through the Incarnation: “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God,” (v17). And so, a final reason for the Incarnation emerges: “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted,” (v18). What angel can understand the powerful urges of the flesh? The New Covenant is superior because of the identification of this high priest with His people.

Jesus understands temptation because He’s been there.

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