√ Reality Check

Hebrews Chapter 2

Scripture: Hebrews 2:3-4 (New Living Translation)
“What makes us think that we can escape if we are indifferent to this great salvation that was announced by the Lord Jesus himself? It was passed on to us by those who heard him speak, and God verified the message by signs and wonders and various miracles and by giving gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose to do so.”

Observation: Last week I had the opportunity to be in North Carolina with my son who was in the A.A.U. 10 and under National Baseball Tournament. It was awesome watching them play. They were 6-2 and came in fourth place. After their first game the coaches had an evening meeting with all the players and told them that in order to play up to their potential they were going to have to depend on their coaches to direct the strategy for the game. When they were on base the coach gave the runner and the batter signs to tell then what to do. To the runner the signs tell them to steal the base or to stay on the base. To the batter the signs tell him to hit and run, bunt or hit away. Each player has to follow the signs and if one of them are missed it could result in an easy out. If the signs are picked up and followed the result is usually positive and often results in a run. The boys grabbed a hold of this instruction and on the next day they only left three boys stranded on the basses. We went on a roll and the team remained undefeated until the last day of the tournament.

The reason I started out with this story is that is sets up this second chapter of Hebrews so perfectly. The author of the book of Hebrews, after telling us who Jesus is in chapter one, calls out to the readers of the book and tells them that they better not miss the signs that revealed who this Jesus was and still is! If they were responsible to read the signs and catch hold of the law, the first covenant given through the angels, (verses 1-2) how much more important is it to not miss the signs of the second covenant given through God Himself! Jesus alone mediates the second covenant and to receive the blessings of the second covenant you must come through him! To understand his (Jesus) life, to see the signs, is to receive all that God did for us through him (Jesus). Jesus became a man in order to be our high priest and his life reveals God’s love for us and God’s provision through Jesus for our sins. Follow the signs that Jesus gives and receive the benefits of the second covenant. Look at chapter 2, verse 17-18.

Hebrews 2:17-18 (New Living Translation)
Therefore, it was necessary for Jesus to be in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. He then could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted.

Application: I want to catch all the signs and not miss seeing Jesus. I want to grasp again the fulfillment of the first covenant. I want to have a new appreciation for my Savior. I want to better comprehend how Jesus understands what I go through. I want to trust him more during temptation and know his presence and accept his deliverance.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me a new understanding of who you are! I want to see anew the signs of the second covenant given to me. Help me to sense your presence during temptation and know that you understand what I am going through and then trust in your way for deliverance!

Posted by Reality Check on Monday, July 24, 2006 at 11:25 AM | Permalink