Day 304: Hebrews 9-13

It's done. Finished. Finito. Nothing else we can do to supplement or diminish what Jesus has done.

...we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10)

It's sort of hard to get my mind around that fact...and it is a fact. I'm holy. Yeah, I know, it sounds silly for me to even think it, let alone say it out loud. I'm holy. God says so. It's a done deal. I can't make any improvements on it no matter how hard I try.

So if my giving to the church, or my serving others, or my feeble attempts at righteous living, or my daily(ish) Bible reading and praying doesn't do anything to help me be holy...if it is, indeed, a done deal...then what's the point? I (we) need to give up the notion that we will ever "earn" anything from God. We won't. We can't. It's a gift. It's done.

But there is a "therefore"...

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:19-25)

This is our response. This is the result of our having been made holy. I love those verses because they are so encouraging and positive and uplifting. These are well known verses that are quoted often...and rightfully so. But they're followed by this:

If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:26-31)

This holiness is a gift not to be taken lightly. It is a costly and precious gift that deserves our appreciation demonstrated by our changed lives. That's why we do all that stuff about giving and serving and righteous living. It's the natural response to the gift that was given. It's the least we can do.

Hebrews chapter 11 begins with these famous words:

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)

This chapter is a wonderful recap of all the Old Testament characters we read about back during the summer. It shows that the great things that they said and did were all a result of their faith. And the thing is, what they believed in and trusted in were never realized in their lifetimes.

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, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. (Hebrews 11:13)

We have this tendency to think that if we decide to begin living out lives by faith that suddenly everything will change in our lives. Circumstances will improve. Sickness will be healed. Marriages will be strengthened. Kids will no longer rebel. Our lives will be better. However...

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:39-40)

Don't get me wrong. I believe that a life lived in faith is most certainly a better life. But I'm beginning to learn that our physical lives here on earth are not really what God's promises are all about. He has something better in mind. Something bigger. Something eternal. Our lives here may, indeed improve. They may not. Either way, I think this chapter is urging us to keep on believing. Keep on trusting. Keep on looking forward. Knowing that our holiness is a done deal, and our future is sure.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

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On a completely different topic, I feel I must comment on one more verse that made me think about my prayer life:

Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. (Hebrews 13:3)

When I pray for people in difficult circumstances I find that a part of my prayer is often an expression of gratitude that I, personally, have never had to experience the difficulty that the object of my prayers is experiencing. I wonder about this in light of this verse. I suppose, in a way, if my brother or sister is going through difficult times, so am I. I need to think about this more and the ramifications of this on my prayers.

Day 303: Hebrews 5-8

Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered...
(Hebrews 5:8)

If it was true for Jesus, why would I think it would be any different for me?

Day 302: Hebrews 1-4

Jesus is God. That is the mind-blowing fact that the Jews who were around Jesus during his earthly life had so much trouble grasping. To them it was a self-evident falsehood. It was blasphemy.

Jesus is human. That is the amazing truth that we who live a few thousand years later have trouble grasping. We're Christians. By definition we believe Jesus is God. To us, the hard thing to grasp is that God was, for a time, human...with a physical body...and physical urges and lusts. He was just like me.

He had to be.

For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:17-18)

I believe God can do anything He chooses to do. I believe, if He chose to, He could provide salvation for me some other way...some way that didn't involve becoming human. But He didn't and I'm glad. Thrilled, actually. He isn't a far off inaccessible God who tells us how we're supposed to live and then provides a back-up plan for us when we don't live up to those expectations. He became one of us and showed us that it can be done. It is possible to live without sin. He did it...as a human...with the same resources that are available to us.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Day 301: 1 Peter

When you read this letter written by Peter it's hard to understand how so many people today have distorted the message of Christ into a "health & wealth" gospel. Peter does indeed recognize the glorious inheritance that is ours as a Christ-follower but he also makes it clear that it's not now:

This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. (1 Peter 1:4-6)

In fact, he seems to indicate that suffering, not prosperity, is to be expected when you follow Christ...

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12-13)

He also tells us how to endure...

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)

But, in the mean time, don't forget that while we're here we have a mission to carry out...

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

Even when we're in the midst of suffering...maybe even especially when we're in the midst of suffering...we have a responsibility to...

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. (1 Peter 2:12)

1 Peter 3:15&16 is a very well known passage of scripture. It's often used in apologetics classes, or evangelism workshops. And it's very appropriate there. It's important that we're "prepared to give an answer" to anyone who may ask us about our faith.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3:15-16)

However, I'm afraid that we often neglect the other part of that verse. I'm referring to the part that says we're to do so with "gentleness and respect." Too often I'm afraid we're more concerned with winning an argument than with introducing a person to Christ.

If 2011 has been a tough year for you, take heart. Better days are ahead. But even if those better days don't come in 2012...even if they don't come until "the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time"...those days will be so much better that the present suffering doesn't even compare. So, hang in there. Or, in Peter's words:

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. (1 Peter 4:19)

Days 299b & 300: Titus, 1 Timothy

They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. (Titus 1:16)

The actions Paul is talking about are words and deeds that are divisive. The main thrust of Paul's writing still seems to concern Christians getting along with people...with both fellow Christians and those outside the church.

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. (Titus 3:1-2)

In fact he says that we should have very little tolerance for someone who seems to make it their goal to stir up trouble and bring division into the church.

Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. (Titus 3:10-11)

I know people who seem to fall into this category. They never seem to be happy. They are always on the lookout for something to complain about (and can always find something) and then they attempt to rally people around them and their cause, pitting themselves against those who hold a different view. As I said, I know people like that and they can be a real drain on the church. Leadership ends up spending all their time and emotional energy on trying to maintain the peace instead of actually doing the work of the church. It can get you so side-tracked that you end up losing your vision and passion. The best thing to do is exactly what Paul says here...confront them once or twice and then just ignore them and move on.

This issue is also extremely important because it exemplifies for the world the character of God:

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7)

If God treats us like that then we should do the same for others...duh.


Then, on a completely different topic, there's this...

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

Wow! Is that ever counter-cultural. I think the fact that I live in the wealthiest nation of all time where even the poorest among us are wealthier than 90% of the world's population makes this way of thinking very difficult to get a handle on. "If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." Sure, as long as it's stylish clothing and delicious food...and there's a TV to watch.

I can't even comprehend that way of living.

Days 298 & 299a: Ephesians

I need to remember to read this book more often. This is a book that can lift you up when you're feeling down. When you feel like nothing is going your way and this world is a burden you're simply getting too tired to carry, this powerful and emotionally charged epistle can serve to remind you of all the things God has done for you. It can help lift your eyes off of this world and see how God "has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." (1:3)

These words may have come from the pen of Paul the Apostle but they read like a long riff from a fiery African-American preacher! In fact, I encourage to read this book aloud, not the way we normally do in a dry "white" monotone, but put some life into it! Imagine yourself wiping the sweat off your brow and in a loud raspy voice you proclaim:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

Or how about:

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13)

Come on now...imagine the black preacher: "Buuuut NOW ...in Christ Jesus...you who once were faaaaar away - I mean FAR! ...You have been brought near ...by the blood of Christ!

There is powerful emotion in this book that we so often miss because we just read the words...and we don't feel the feelings. I think Paul is simply overcome with emotion as he writes these words:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

When you read it with an open heart to the emotions that are expressed then the practical instruction he gives regarding our daily lives takes on a new meaning and urgency...

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2)

Paul closes this book by reminding us that we're in the midst of a war. It's a daily battle between the forces of good and evil and we dare not take that battle lightly. But we can be strong because we are assured that the victory is ours!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:10-12)

Days 295, 296 & 297: Acts 27-28; Philippians; Philemon; Colossians

Does it seem to you that people are more angry than they used to be? Or am I just getting old and soft? I enjoy playing Yahoo Hearts. It's a fun game that requires some strategy and a lot of luck. As you play you can also chat with the other players. Once in a while there is some friendly back and forth but I really wouldn't call most of the dialog that goes on "chatting". A lot of it is very angry and hate-filled. There's a lot of insulting the other players intelligence as well as some much more offensive stuff. I find myself wondering if, in the anonymity of the internet, what we are seeing is the real person that stays hidden when they are involved in face to face conversations. You can see the same thing in many of the comments to blog posts or on-line articles.

If this stuff is really in the hearts of the people we deal with on a day to day basis then there is a LOT of anger out there. People are not happy. And, if I'm totally honest, I find it in my own heart way more often then I like.

Sadly, God's own people aren't all that much better. How often do we hear Christians spew hatred at "liberals", "fundamentalists", Muslims, atheists, the biased media (liberal and conservative), or any number of other people they consider their enemy? And when I say "spew hatred" I don't mean respectful dialog and disagreement and debate. These things are healthy when undergirded with a mutual love and respect for the other person's intrinsic worth. What I'm referring to are the personal insults and attacks that are designed to hurt and denigrate. It embarrasses me. Surely it must also be an embarrassment to Christ.

But it's not just in our attitudes with non-believers. Over the years, I've often been amazed at the disrespect I've seen between Christ-followers who disagree. Don't misunderstand...I've seen some great examples of people who handle their differences in a mature, loving manner. These people are the examples I try (with varying degrees of success) to emulate. But it seems to me they are the exceptional ones.

The scripture I read today seemed to hit on this theme over and over. Here are a few samples:

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:1-4)

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. (Philippians 2:14-16)

Let your gentleness be evident to all. (Philippians 4:5)

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)

When I consider Paul's situation when he wrote these things, and everything he went through that led up to his imprisonment, I realize that if anyone had a reason to be filled with anger it was him.

I also realize that if the people of God would actually put these things into practice in all their relationships then we would indeed "shine like stars."