Hebrews Chapter 4

Just what the doctor ordered.

My oldest brother is a famously fabulous doctor…and an infamously insensitive shot-giver. Emblazoned on my childhood memory is an occasion of much-needed medical attention, to be administered via a penicillin jab in my bare back-side. With dread – and much embarrassment over the full moon exposure – I braced for impact. Although my doctor-brother’s procedure felt more like a stab than a jab, the cure was efficiently and effectively delivered and I was back to my normal self soon thereafter.

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” Hebrews 4:13 (NLT)

When I first read verse 13, I have to admit the dominant feelings were of embarrassment and conviction. Does it really mean “nothing” is hidden and “everything” is exposed? With a fearful, cringed posture, I researched other translations, hoping to find less-strict or perhaps more accommodating interpretations. As it turns out, there is no escape from this nothing–everything calculated symmetry.

So, what shall I do with this? It’s hard to say “I have nothing to hide” but the truth is that with God, there is nothing I can hide.

After much introspection (including additional futile attempts to avoid personal application of this verse), I came to an important realization: although this passage certainly does address my accountability to God in thought, word and deed, I also find supreme comfort and confidence in this passage.

Although the concept of being fully known is initially uncomfortable, it is actually a tremendous blessing. God already knows all my fears, failures and weaknesses – the ones I’ve had, currently have, and will have – and He loves me anyway! The feelings of embarrassment and conviction are fine (probably even healthy); however, I am to embrace the laid-bare exposure and welcome God, The Great Physician, to continue the work of the Holy Spirit in me.

Today, reflect on your “nothing” and “everything” in verse 13 – what does this mean for you? Before you conclude, I encourage you to carefully contemplate Hebrews 4:16.

Be bold and find grace, my friends!

Hebrews Chapter 3

One of the take aways from this chapter is the writer’s encouragement for his readers’ steadfastness in faith, or our willingness to remain faithful, not to waiver, or be led astray by false or half-truths.  Today’s world is more divided than I have seen in my lifetime.  The lack of tolerance, the blatant disregard for truth, the acceptance and tolerance for sinful behavior and speech, and hatred for one another.  Even Christians are divided theologically, politically, and respect for those who disagree with one’s belief.  The Hebrews writer says, “…instead encourage one another daily…so that none of you may be hardened by sins deceitfulness…” (v. 13).  There is a lack of  love which Jesus lived and died for.  Satan is attacking us on many fronts and since he is the father of lies (John 8:44), he is determined to undermine the truth of Christ.  Christ is the truth (John 14:6) and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth (John 16:13).  So as Christians we must be committed to the WHOLE TRUTH, not just the partial truth to fit our own agendas.  We can’t just select which passage of Scripture which we like to justify our position and ignore the whole of Scripture and what it teaches.  Trust the Holy Spirit to teach us ALL things and not just listen to some people’s view of the issues.    

Hebrews Chapter 2

The divine order of things. Jesus did not die to save the angels from their sins.  Jesus died to save humans – all of us – from our sinful nature.  By paying the price of our redemption, we are restored into fellowship and favor with God.  

“Why is man important to you?  Why do you take care of the son of man?” (Heb. 2:6 ICB)  What we know for sure is that people are very important indeed to Jesus. So much so that he left heaven, was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered an excruciating death, was buried and resurrected. All of this for us.  When I think about how much Jesus cares for us, I wonder if we treat each other with the same kind of reverence.  Believers or unbelievers, we are only crowned with glory and honor because of the undeserved kindness of Jesus.  Therefore, we have no room to lord it over anyone.  Which brings me back to the same question…do we treat each other with the same kind of reverence that Jesus treats us?

Our home, Silicon Valley, is home to nearly 4 million people.  A veritable sea of us, everywhere you look.  Many of us spend our days inside that sea of people, in traffic, waiting in lines, riding VTA and working in large high-tech firms.  Do we just see a “sea” of people, or do we seek to view others through the lens of Christ?  

As an example, the infamous experience of being cut off in traffic.  Notwithstanding that it can be scary to have a near-accident, can we consider that the person cutting us off is one of the people that Jesus died for, one of the people whom Jesus suffered for?  While we cannot know what is on that driver’s mind, we can dial back our own reaction enough to grant them grace in the moment.  Jesus grants us grace every day.  Can we not do the same for others that we encounter?

What I find is that a stretched-thin version of myself is not equipped to do much granting of grace to anyone.  As a result, it’s vitally important that I first learn to walk lightly with the Lord, to lean on Him, seek His peace and rest in His love and in His finished work. Only then can I climb into the heavens and see people as He sees them – beloved, crowned with glory and honor, unique and holy – because Jesus made us so.      

Hebrews Chapter 1

As a Christian I am always wrestling to comprehend the trinity… “God in three persons blessed trinity” as the famous hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” proclaims. 

Here in Hebrews chapter 1 of the new testament the author gives us some insight into the relationship between God the Father and God the Son.  He actually recites verses from the old testament and from the new testament where God the Father speaks of his Son.  Verses 8 and 9 particularly caught my attention where I believe God the Father refers to Jesus as God, “therefore O’ God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than anyone else”.  Over the years I have grown to appreciate that without God in three persons I likely would not know God at all.  That it takes all three to reach me.  I love the emphasis that Catholic Christians put on the trinity, crossing themselves in the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

But as with the new testament in its’ entirety and possibly the bible in its’ entirety, I see this chapter as God the Father glorifying Jesus, God the Son.