Episode #206. Today we’ll read Hebrews chapter 2 together. The author of Hebrews warns us not to neglect our faith and talks about Jesus in His humanity.
Transcript
Joy: You’re listening to the Lifting Her Voice podcast, Episode #206. Today we’ll read Hebrews chapter 2 together: The author of Hebrews warns us not to neglect our faith and talks about Jesus in His humanity.
Welcome to the Lifting Her Voice podcast. I’m your host, Joy Miller, and I invite you to grab your Bible and join me as we simply read God’s word together. Some things require discipline and sometimes that’s just not easy to muster by yourself, no matter how badly you want to do it or how much you know you should. It’s just easier to do it with a friend. So refill your coffee or tea, get comfortable in your favorite chair and follow along as I read aloud. I’m so glad you’re here!
Welcome
In case I forget when we get to the 20th chapter of Revelation together, Hans Frei, my pastor extraordinaire, wrote a blog and a sermon that’s important. And one that I think would resonate with you as it did with me.
As I’ve said before, Hans doesn’t preach out of the book of Revelation too much. But this was not the kind of end-times sermon we usually expect from Revelation. He called it Life’s Three Most Important Books. Are you as curious as I was?
Okay…first book? The Bible! Easy answer [as she coolly examines her fingernails, feeling smug]. Wait though. Did he say three books? (Smugness evaporating.) Waiting. Trying. Gears turning. I got nothin’.
Then the text came up on the screen. Revelation 20:11-14. Oh, that Book! Of course! Why didn’t I remember that?
But it was the third… The books. Do we think enough about this book? The one referred to as the books. I know, I know…I have a lot of plurals mixed with singulars here. But it’ll make sense when you read it.
This was one of Hans’ teachings under the subject of the Christian Voter Guide. By the time this episode airs, the election will be over, the chips falling where God ordained them to fall. But what Hans said to us in his sermons the last couple of weeks is powerful way beyond any election.
I encourage you to go to his blog and his sermon on our church webpage. The links are in the Show Notes below. Believe me when I say that his message will feed your soul, strengthen your faith, and compel you to obedience. Please share your thoughts with me at Lifting Her Voice.com, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Hebrews Chapter 2
Warning against Neglect
For this reason, we must pay attention all the more to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away. For if the message spoken through angels was legally binding and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment, how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation had its beginning when it was spoken of by the Lord, and it was confirmed to us by those who heard him. At the same time, God also testified by signs and wonders, various miracles, and distributions of gifts from the Holy Spirit according to his will.
Jesus and Humanity
For he has not subjected to angels the world to come that we are talking about. But someone somewhere has testified:
What is man that you remember him,
or the son of man that you care for him?
You made him lower than the angels
for a short time;
you crowned him with glory and honor
and subjected everything under his feet.
For in subjecting everything to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. As it is, we do not yet see everything subjected to him. But we do see Jesus — made lower than the angels for a short time so that by God’s grace he might taste death for everyone — crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death.
For in bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was entirely appropriate that God — for whom and through whom all things exist — should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying:
I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters;
I will sing hymns to you in the congregation.
Again, I will trust in him. And again, Here I am with the children God gave me.
Merciful and Faithful High Priest
Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through his death he might destroy the one holding the power of death — that is, the devil — and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. For it is clear that he does not reach out to help angels, but to help Abraham’s offspring. Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
Closing Thoughts
We’re nearly finished with the New Testament and I feel compelled to repeat the question asked by the author. Have we paid attention to what we have heard? So that we might not drift away?
The next book we read – James – tells us in the first chapter, verses 22-25 this: But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like someone looking at his own face[a] in a mirror. For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of person he was. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works—this person will be blessed in what he does.
James is not known for his tact. But the message is clear. It’s not good enough that we just read the words. We must incorporate what the Bible is telling us into our daily lives. I know…it’s a tall order. It’s hard. But remember what Peter wrote to us in his second letter, first chapter, third verse. His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
The power lives in us…we can do this. Let’s pray.
Prayer
Oh, Jesus, thank You for dying one death for all of us. Thank You, God, that we may call You, Father. I am humbled that You are not ashamed to call me Your sister. Thank You for suffering through temptation so that You could help us in our temptation. Thank You that You have set us free! Amen and Amen!
Thank you for joining me here today. I pray God will grow in you what has been planted and watered here. In this time of unprecedented struggle worldwide, we can look to God for guidance and comfort. Be sensitive to those in your circle of influence who need a word of encouragement and invite them to join us. If you like this show, it would be great if you give it a five-star review. Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. See you right here tomorrow. Be well!
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible(r), Copyright (c) 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible(r) and CSB(r) are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Show Notes
- Awesome Video of Solomon’s Temple
- These will help! Overview videos of all books of the Bible
Visit
Bible Study Resources
- CSB Study Bible – Hardcover or Kindle!
- The Bible Project’s Bible Basics – Free!
- Every Bible You Could Ever Want!
- The Bible Hub – Free!
- Bible Study Tools – Free!
- The Bible Project– Free!
Other Resources
- Want to use your tablet for Bible reading? Consider Kindle .
- I love Audible! Try it for free!
- Want it? FaithGear has it!
- Wear your faith! Christian Strong
- Bet Hannon Business Websites designed and maintains my website.
- Title of song used in the podcast is 3 Joys & the Truth, by Daniel O’Connor
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