Perpetuated

This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.                                                                    Heb. 2.3b

The Lord Jesus announced Himself as the means of salvation. He said, “No one comes to the Father but by me.” He also said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” These are powerful statements leading to salvation.

His disciples picked up the message. After His resurrection and ascension, these men were mightily filled by the Holy Spirit and empowered to go into all the world and confirm the message of salvation.

In time these men died. But the message was further picked up and has been transported down through the ages by men and women who have been empowered by God’s Holy Spirit to do so. Their testimony has been mighty. Their obedience to God has been honoured.

The ministry continues to day. And so, from the first announcement, by the angels, of the birth of a Saviour, through the sacrifice of Jesus and the testimony of many, it follows down to this very day, and the message is perpetuated.

I am a link in this chain. I may see myself as less strong than other links. This is of no great consequence. What is important is that I fulfil, to the best of my ability, what I have been called by God to do. His calling to me might be very different to that of others. I am not expected to fulfil their purposes in Him. I am, however, meant to serve Him to fullness in whatever purposes He has ordained for me.

Lord God,

I see myself, humbly, as a continuing link in this great chain that began with the angels’ announcement of a Saviour. I give myself wholeheartedly to those purposes You have ordained for my life. I offer myself freely to be equipped by You. Lead me on, in each and every venture and encounter You have for me. May we, together, serve the task.            Amen.

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Enemies?

To which of the angels did God ever say,

“Sit at my right hand

until I make your enemies

a footstool for your feet”?                                                                                Heb. 1.13

The comparison between the Son and angels is highlighted by this verse. The Son is the only one to be accorded this honour. He alone sits at the right hand of the Deity. And He remains there while His enemies are gathered at His feet in homage to Him.

I have further visions of this scene. In human history, enemies were often brought before their captors beaten and in chains. They were truly a spent force with no resistance left other than to submit to whatever humiliating punishment the victor would choose to inflict.

I don’t see this in the case of Christ on His heavenly throne. Rather, I see this “footstool” as fully released into the freedom of love, forgiveness and grace. These enemies have been released from the bondage of power and hate which would have held them captive as enemies of God. His boundless love has touched them and they have come rejoicing to the throne. Is this scene authentic? I don’t know, but it is what I see in my spirit.

And there are many today who strive to succeed without God. They fight the very being who could release them into the fullness of who they really are. I pray for these, that they may be drawn into the light and released from their present bondage.

Mighty God,

I sense Your love for those who exist in darkness. I pray that they might be shown, and clearly see, the way. Let the man of light reach out and touch them, and lead them into that place of true freedom and liberty. I pray this in Jesus’ mighty name.              Amen.

My Son...my son

For to which of the angels did God ever say,

“You are my Son; today I have become your Father.”?   

Or again,

“I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.”?                                               Heb. 1.5

We are reminded of the divine relationship in this verse. It is clearly given to us: Son and Father, Father and Son.

The author is quoting Old Testament Scripture, both Psalms and Prophets in his references here. Christ was the fulfilment of prophecy. He is declared positively as the Son of God.

As I   read the gospels and identify the several references to Jesus removing Himself to a solitary place where He can commune with the Father, something of the richness of this Father/Son relationship comes through to me. This was how Jesus fostered His relationship while He was on earth.

Another aspect of the Father /Son relationship reaches out and embraces me. Jesus affirms me as a child of God. I too am a son of the heavenly Father.

Jesus now enjoys full communion with the Father. One day I hope to know this same experience. Meanwhile, I follow the example that Jesus set when He was on earth. I take myself into a quiet place, I rest my soul, open my heart and spirit, and invite the Father to draw me to Him in intimacy and the sweetest communion.

Holy Father,

As I read the words spoken over Your Son, I hear them afresh spoken over me: “You are my son; today I have become your Father.”

Gracious God, I place myself at Your feet. I open myself up fully to You. Draw me to Yourself. Take me deeper in sweet relationship. Share precious moments with me as my Father. Let me truly be Your son. I ask this in Jesus’ name.                       Amen.