Today's passage continues the triumphant story of Esther, who exemplified the Bible's teachings on opportunistically using the gifts that God has given us for His work and glory. Her obedience to and love for Mordecai allow for God's sovereign plan to bring condemnation on Haman, whose prideful exuberance prompted him to create his own gallows.
In yesterday's reading, Mordecai urged Esther: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (4:13,14)
The events of our life and our very being are not accidental or coincidental. Rather, God has specially created you so that you would serve and honor Him: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10) Like the ancients commended for their faith, we are mere pilgrims here on earth: "All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." (Hebrews 11:13-16)
The Bible also instructs us to take advantage of the gifts He has given -- for His glory. In Colossians 4:5,6, Paul teaches: "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Our words should build others up and exalt God, not tear others down. In Luke 16:9, Jesus exhorts us to be wise stewards of that to which God has entrusted us: "I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings."
Esther's wisdom in dealing with both Haman and the imminent decree show her precise judgment and Mordecai's wise coaching. Although God does not receive mention in the passage, we can see the beautiful interplay of His sovereign will and the faithfulness of His servants. In short, these events, like those in our lives, came together to give Esther and Mordecai the opportunity to bring honor and glory to God and their fellow Jews.
QUESTIONS
1. Do you see life as coincidental or part of God's sovereign plan? In light of that question, do your present struggles and challenges appear different in your eyes?
2. What does Haman's fate indicate about the ultimate judgment of all people?
3. In what ways have you, like Eshther, "come to [your] position for such a time as this?" If you are unsure about this, would you like to seek God's wisdom on how to carry out the mission to which He's called you?
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
October 2
Zechariah 9 -12
Jesus is coming again
Someone asked me this week, “Why do you believe the Bible is the Word of God?” I said one of the main reasons I believe this is because of prophecy. Prophecy is a major theme of our reading today. One out of every thirty verses in the Bible mentions the subject of Christ's return or the end of time. Of the 216 chapters in the NT there are well over 300 references to the return of Jesus Christ. Zechariah also speaks clearly of the Messiah’s re-entry onto the world scene. We have a blurring of his first and second coming in our verses today but the Bible predicts with amazing clarity the second coming of Jesus to this planet.
Zech. 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
This is Jesus coming the first time, as the lamb of God. Yet in the remaining chapters we see him returning as the Lion of Judah.
Here are a few of the observations about his second coming:
1. The Jews will be in the land. Jesus will come to rescue them. On May 15, 1948 the Jews returned to the land of Israel after almost 2000 years of exile. God does keep his promises.
2. Jerusalem will be the focal point of the entire world. This little piece of land will become an immovable rock for all the nations. And all who try to move it will injury themselves. This means that the USA would be wise to stand with this tiny nation even if the entire world stands against her. God will destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem.
3. There will be a great revival in Israel. They will look on Jesus, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child. This was written before crucifixion became a way of death in the Roman Empire. The Jews didn’t pierce, they stoned their criminals.
4. The Messiah would be killed first. The cross was part of the picture of the coming Messiah.
5. There will be a global conflict. The nations will gather in the Middle East.
6. Messiah will touch down on the Mount of Olives. We are talking about a physical return of Jesus to the earth. This is not a spiritual return like the Jehovah Witnesses claim. There will be a huge earthquake that will change the landscape. The second coming of Jesus will be a return with power and great glory. It will be unmistakable for any person here on the earth. And guess who will be returning with Jesus? Then the Lord my God will come and all the “holy ones” with him. That would be you and I. I am not terribly fond of heights but one day we will be sweeping down from heaven in some sort of a cavalry charge headed into a world wide conflict. No need to worry because with one word the armies of the world will be defeated. SO if you are worried today because of the economy, the social decline of our nation, the state of world events, your boss is giving you grief... look up for your redemption will soon be coming.
Jesus is coming again
Someone asked me this week, “Why do you believe the Bible is the Word of God?” I said one of the main reasons I believe this is because of prophecy. Prophecy is a major theme of our reading today. One out of every thirty verses in the Bible mentions the subject of Christ's return or the end of time. Of the 216 chapters in the NT there are well over 300 references to the return of Jesus Christ. Zechariah also speaks clearly of the Messiah’s re-entry onto the world scene. We have a blurring of his first and second coming in our verses today but the Bible predicts with amazing clarity the second coming of Jesus to this planet.
Zech. 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
This is Jesus coming the first time, as the lamb of God. Yet in the remaining chapters we see him returning as the Lion of Judah.
Here are a few of the observations about his second coming:
1. The Jews will be in the land. Jesus will come to rescue them. On May 15, 1948 the Jews returned to the land of Israel after almost 2000 years of exile. God does keep his promises.
2. Jerusalem will be the focal point of the entire world. This little piece of land will become an immovable rock for all the nations. And all who try to move it will injury themselves. This means that the USA would be wise to stand with this tiny nation even if the entire world stands against her. God will destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem.
3. There will be a great revival in Israel. They will look on Jesus, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child. This was written before crucifixion became a way of death in the Roman Empire. The Jews didn’t pierce, they stoned their criminals.
4. The Messiah would be killed first. The cross was part of the picture of the coming Messiah.
5. There will be a global conflict. The nations will gather in the Middle East.
6. Messiah will touch down on the Mount of Olives. We are talking about a physical return of Jesus to the earth. This is not a spiritual return like the Jehovah Witnesses claim. There will be a huge earthquake that will change the landscape. The second coming of Jesus will be a return with power and great glory. It will be unmistakable for any person here on the earth. And guess who will be returning with Jesus? Then the Lord my God will come and all the “holy ones” with him. That would be you and I. I am not terribly fond of heights but one day we will be sweeping down from heaven in some sort of a cavalry charge headed into a world wide conflict. No need to worry because with one word the armies of the world will be defeated. SO if you are worried today because of the economy, the social decline of our nation, the state of world events, your boss is giving you grief... look up for your redemption will soon be coming.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Oct 1
Psalm 126, 128, 129, 132, 147, 149
Psalms of a Nation Restored
Psalm126
When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion,
we were like men who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
Then it was said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negev.
Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.
He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.
Psalm 128:1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.
Not long ago, I visited a church where the speaker shared a story about her son. He had always been very rebellious and she often wondered how God would ever reach him and touch his heart. One day, when she had had enough, she prayed, "God, do whatever You have to do to reach him and have him come to You." Years later after he had grown up and was married, he was having many difficulties in life that culminated when his wife left him. It was the most painful experience of his life. But through that pain he turned to God and began walking in His ways. His mother remembered that prayer she prayed those years before and believed that God used that painful experience to restore their relationship. As much as she didn't want to see her son in pain, she was thankful for the end result.
The Israelites has strayed far from God. After countless warnings, God's patiences ran out, and the people were sent into captivity. But He did not forget about them. He told them it would not last forever. Now we read the psalms celebrating the end of the captivity and the return to their home. I'm sure that God did not want to see His people in pain. He didn't want to see them crying or weeping. But it was necessary in order to break them of their sinful attitudes and bring them back to Him. Now they are experiencing the joy of a restored relationship with God!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
September 30
The Pathway to God in Psalm 116
In our Psalm today we see the pathway to a relationship with God. This is a pathway most of us try to avoid in life but it is the only way to find our Savior. You will not find this pathway being championed on the Jerry Springer show today.
1. We must become hopeless and helpless.
Vs 3,4 I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord:
"O Lord, save me!"
We will only turn to God when we are out of options to save ourselves. It is in our despair that we find our Savior. If everything is great in life and we find ourselves living in the lap of comfort we will not turn to God.
2. We must pray.
Vs 1, 2 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.
A weak prayer life reveals who we are really trusting.
3. We must have a childlike faith that God is there and he keeps his promises.
Vs 6 The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.
This is not complicated it does take a step of faith. We must believe what God has revealed about our condition and our need.
4. We must rest in our decision.
Vs 7, 10 Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
I believed; therefore I said, “I am greatly afflicted." And in my dismay I said,
"All men are liars."
Victory is found by resting in our faith decision and continuing to believe even as we face the valley of the shadow of death. Vs 15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Nine questions to ask yourself to make sure you are on the right pathway:
a. What is the goal of your life.... comfort or knowing God?
b. What do you need to happen in your life to have peace and satisfaction?
c. Have you ever thought there was something missing from your life?
d. What do you think that missing piece is?
e. Where do you turn to when you feel down and empty?
f. Are there any activities that help deaden the pain in your life?
g. Does your strategy take away the pain temporarily or permanently?
h. What do you think this pain is you feel in your heart?
i. Do you have the courage to do it God’s way?
In our Psalm today we see the pathway to a relationship with God. This is a pathway most of us try to avoid in life but it is the only way to find our Savior. You will not find this pathway being championed on the Jerry Springer show today.
1. We must become hopeless and helpless.
Vs 3,4 I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord:
"O Lord, save me!"
We will only turn to God when we are out of options to save ourselves. It is in our despair that we find our Savior. If everything is great in life and we find ourselves living in the lap of comfort we will not turn to God.
2. We must pray.
Vs 1, 2 I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.
A weak prayer life reveals who we are really trusting.
3. We must have a childlike faith that God is there and he keeps his promises.
Vs 6 The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.
This is not complicated it does take a step of faith. We must believe what God has revealed about our condition and our need.
4. We must rest in our decision.
Vs 7, 10 Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.
I believed; therefore I said, “I am greatly afflicted." And in my dismay I said,
"All men are liars."
Victory is found by resting in our faith decision and continuing to believe even as we face the valley of the shadow of death. Vs 15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Nine questions to ask yourself to make sure you are on the right pathway:
a. What is the goal of your life.... comfort or knowing God?
b. What do you need to happen in your life to have peace and satisfaction?
c. Have you ever thought there was something missing from your life?
d. What do you think that missing piece is?
e. Where do you turn to when you feel down and empty?
f. Are there any activities that help deaden the pain in your life?
g. Does your strategy take away the pain temporarily or permanently?
h. What do you think this pain is you feel in your heart?
i. Do you have the courage to do it God’s way?
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
September 29
Hindsight
Psalm 78
The saying “Hindsight is twenty-twenty” is attributed to Billy Wider, the journalist, film maker, screenwriter and producer. The phrase means that everyone has perfect understanding after an event happens. It is easy to look back at history and see how we could have made better decisions.
If I could go back to do my life all over again here are a few of the changes I would make:
1. I would have spent more time in God’s Word.
2. I would have spent more time with my wife and children. I would have scheduled more fun stuff.
3. I would have started devotions with my kids when they were very young and not stopped until the day I sent them off to college... regardless of how they protested. I would even endure hunger strikes.
4. I would have moved to a discipleship model of the church 25 years ago.
5. I would have invested in Wal-Mart and Goggle stocks and sold them in April of 2008. This last one is a joke... if I would have become a millionaire it is likely I wouldn’t be writing this blog and my life would be completely messed up.
In Psalm 78 Asaph is reviewing the history of the nation and he had twenty-twenty vision as he looked back. Here are four of his conclusions:
1. If we could do it over again, we would reach the next generation with the gospel as our highest priority.
Vs 3 What our fathers have told us... we will tell the next generation
Vs 5 Which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children
Vs 6 So the next generation would know them, even the children to be born.
There is nothing as important as passing our faith on to the next generation. So what is your plan to teach the next generation? We all need to be engaged in this mission.
2. If we could do it over again, we would celebrate and appreciate God’s faithfulness everyday.
Vs 11 They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them
Vs 38 Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them.
Time after time he restrained his anger ...
He remembered that they were but flesh...
When we get together in our quarterly Bible reading reunions everyone remarks... WOW God is really patient with the Jews. Yes he is... he is also patient with us... celebrate and appreciate that everyday.
3. If we could do it over again, we would place all of our faith in the WORD of God.
Vs 22 for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance.
The victorious life is only found as we live believing the WORD of God. It is our faith in his word that supplies the deliverance. Set aside your unbelief and trust totally in the WORD of God.
4. If we could do it over again, we would KILL sin in our lives before it killed us.
Vs 63 Fire consumed their young men and their maidens had no wedding songs.
God doesn’t expect sinless perfection, for none of us could meet that challenge. But he does expect us to sin less! We should be progressing in our holiness. We live in a day when we play with sin. We are taught that sin is not a serious thing. But sin kills people and unless we strike first it will kill us.
What would you do differently if you could do it over again? Once you identify your list, bring that list into your daily agenda today.
Psalm 78
The saying “Hindsight is twenty-twenty” is attributed to Billy Wider, the journalist, film maker, screenwriter and producer. The phrase means that everyone has perfect understanding after an event happens. It is easy to look back at history and see how we could have made better decisions.
If I could go back to do my life all over again here are a few of the changes I would make:
1. I would have spent more time in God’s Word.
2. I would have spent more time with my wife and children. I would have scheduled more fun stuff.
3. I would have started devotions with my kids when they were very young and not stopped until the day I sent them off to college... regardless of how they protested. I would even endure hunger strikes.
4. I would have moved to a discipleship model of the church 25 years ago.
5. I would have invested in Wal-Mart and Goggle stocks and sold them in April of 2008. This last one is a joke... if I would have become a millionaire it is likely I wouldn’t be writing this blog and my life would be completely messed up.
In Psalm 78 Asaph is reviewing the history of the nation and he had twenty-twenty vision as he looked back. Here are four of his conclusions:
1. If we could do it over again, we would reach the next generation with the gospel as our highest priority.
Vs 3 What our fathers have told us... we will tell the next generation
Vs 5 Which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children
Vs 6 So the next generation would know them, even the children to be born.
There is nothing as important as passing our faith on to the next generation. So what is your plan to teach the next generation? We all need to be engaged in this mission.
2. If we could do it over again, we would celebrate and appreciate God’s faithfulness everyday.
Vs 11 They forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them
Vs 38 Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them.
Time after time he restrained his anger ...
He remembered that they were but flesh...
When we get together in our quarterly Bible reading reunions everyone remarks... WOW God is really patient with the Jews. Yes he is... he is also patient with us... celebrate and appreciate that everyday.
3. If we could do it over again, we would place all of our faith in the WORD of God.
Vs 22 for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance.
The victorious life is only found as we live believing the WORD of God. It is our faith in his word that supplies the deliverance. Set aside your unbelief and trust totally in the WORD of God.
4. If we could do it over again, we would KILL sin in our lives before it killed us.
Vs 63 Fire consumed their young men and their maidens had no wedding songs.
God doesn’t expect sinless perfection, for none of us could meet that challenge. But he does expect us to sin less! We should be progressing in our holiness. We live in a day when we play with sin. We are taught that sin is not a serious thing. But sin kills people and unless we strike first it will kill us.
What would you do differently if you could do it over again? Once you identify your list, bring that list into your daily agenda today.
Monday, September 28, 2009
September 28
Zechariah 7 & 8
Ezra 6: 14 – 22
1. People ask how to be religious.
The construction work of the new temple continues in Jerusalem. The people of Bethel are now inquiring of God how to follow certain religious practices. Through Zechariah, God is quick to remind them that like their forefathers did, fasting simply for their own sake, instead of for God, is not right. Subsequently, as a hint for what the result of true fasting should be, God asks the people to:
-administer justice
-to show mercy
-to show compassion
-not to oppress the needy
-not to carry evil in their hearts
2. God tells the people how to be faithful.
This is not a time for the people in Israel to focus on themselves. God declares to His people that this is the time of His restoration for their land and their lives. He will dwell among them. He promises long lives filled with truth. He asks them to have faith and not be afraid, to be strong and to continue the work of rebuilding the temple. He promises them that they will observe fasts joyfully.
What do God's people do? They listen to their God and they follow His word! What a delight! What is then the result of their faithfulness? They have JOY. Notice that the word joy is repeated 3 times in today's reading. The workers finish the temple and everyone in Israel celebrates the occasion with joy, followed by, again, joyful celebration of the Passover.
In the same way which God brought restoration to His Israel and His temple, He brings restoration in our lives today. He often asks us to be faithful and labor for Him. He promises joy in our hearts as a result. He tests every motive we have, not so that He can blame us, but so that He can restore us and fill us with peace and joy.
Praying that we invite God's restoration in our lives and hope in His promise of joy.
Ezra 6: 14 – 22
1. People ask how to be religious.
The construction work of the new temple continues in Jerusalem. The people of Bethel are now inquiring of God how to follow certain religious practices. Through Zechariah, God is quick to remind them that like their forefathers did, fasting simply for their own sake, instead of for God, is not right. Subsequently, as a hint for what the result of true fasting should be, God asks the people to:
-administer justice
-to show mercy
-to show compassion
-not to oppress the needy
-not to carry evil in their hearts
2. God tells the people how to be faithful.
This is not a time for the people in Israel to focus on themselves. God declares to His people that this is the time of His restoration for their land and their lives. He will dwell among them. He promises long lives filled with truth. He asks them to have faith and not be afraid, to be strong and to continue the work of rebuilding the temple. He promises them that they will observe fasts joyfully.
What do God's people do? They listen to their God and they follow His word! What a delight! What is then the result of their faithfulness? They have JOY. Notice that the word joy is repeated 3 times in today's reading. The workers finish the temple and everyone in Israel celebrates the occasion with joy, followed by, again, joyful celebration of the Passover.
In the same way which God brought restoration to His Israel and His temple, He brings restoration in our lives today. He often asks us to be faithful and labor for Him. He promises joy in our hearts as a result. He tests every motive we have, not so that He can blame us, but so that He can restore us and fill us with peace and joy.
Praying that we invite God's restoration in our lives and hope in His promise of joy.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
September 27: Zechariah 1-6
In today's passage, we read about Zechariah's visions for the restored people of Israel. Chiefly, we notice major assurances that God reveals through these visions:
1. That the people will be restored in prosperity;
2. That Israel's oppressors will indeed be punished;
3. That God will be among His returning people;
4. That the One Who is called the Branch will rmove the sins of the people;
5. That God will complete the temple through His two anointed ones;
6. That God will always punish wickedness;
7. That God will bring wicked nations to their knees; and
8. That there will be rest at last.
Due to their corporate rebelliousness over many generations, God had removed the people from His promised land. Yet, at this time, God indicates that "I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt.... My towns will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem." God would bring them back to the land and offer His protection, explaining that "I myself will be a wall of fire around [Jerusalem],... and I will be its glory within." The people would have God's presence among them. In their efforts to rebuild the temple and Jerusalem, the people would find that God had anointed His chosen laborers. In the end, God wished to show the people that His work would move forward "not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit." As Leroy Eims explained about ministry and living out the Gospel, if anything of spiritual value comes about in this world, it will be because God did it.
In addition to these near-term promises, God also refers to the coming of a righteous Branch who would remove the people's sin in a single day. Here again, we have testimony to the coming Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. We learn that this coming Branch will bring the offices of Priest and King under a single Head, whose fulfillment would partially come under the authority of the High Priests in the restored Israel: "Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will brank out from his place and build the temple of the LORD. It is he who will build the temple of the LORD, and he will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne. And he will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmony between the two." As the Book of Hebrews later illustrates, Jesus clearly fulfilled this role of High Priest (in the order of Melchizedek) and became, through His sacrifice of Himself, the Author of salvation.
By comparing these words to Colossians 1:15-20, we can see how Jesus has authority as Creator and Ruler over all!: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."
QUESTIONS
1. Why might these assurances have calmed the people's fears? How do they indicate God's concern for His people?
1. What assurances spoke most powerfully to you right now? What other passages offer you assurances for today's challenges?
1. That the people will be restored in prosperity;
2. That Israel's oppressors will indeed be punished;
3. That God will be among His returning people;
4. That the One Who is called the Branch will rmove the sins of the people;
5. That God will complete the temple through His two anointed ones;
6. That God will always punish wickedness;
7. That God will bring wicked nations to their knees; and
8. That there will be rest at last.
Due to their corporate rebelliousness over many generations, God had removed the people from His promised land. Yet, at this time, God indicates that "I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt.... My towns will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem." God would bring them back to the land and offer His protection, explaining that "I myself will be a wall of fire around [Jerusalem],... and I will be its glory within." The people would have God's presence among them. In their efforts to rebuild the temple and Jerusalem, the people would find that God had anointed His chosen laborers. In the end, God wished to show the people that His work would move forward "not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit." As Leroy Eims explained about ministry and living out the Gospel, if anything of spiritual value comes about in this world, it will be because God did it.
In addition to these near-term promises, God also refers to the coming of a righteous Branch who would remove the people's sin in a single day. Here again, we have testimony to the coming Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. We learn that this coming Branch will bring the offices of Priest and King under a single Head, whose fulfillment would partially come under the authority of the High Priests in the restored Israel: "Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will brank out from his place and build the temple of the LORD. It is he who will build the temple of the LORD, and he will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne. And he will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmony between the two." As the Book of Hebrews later illustrates, Jesus clearly fulfilled this role of High Priest (in the order of Melchizedek) and became, through His sacrifice of Himself, the Author of salvation.
By comparing these words to Colossians 1:15-20, we can see how Jesus has authority as Creator and Ruler over all!: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."
QUESTIONS
1. Why might these assurances have calmed the people's fears? How do they indicate God's concern for His people?
1. What assurances spoke most powerfully to you right now? What other passages offer you assurances for today's challenges?
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