Bible Pathway - Dec. 12, 2010
Read Hebrews 1
Highlights:
Jesus, the Son and Heir, is greater than the angels (Heb. chap. 1). Jesus, the Man (2:17; 3:6), overcame all temptations (4:15). Jesus is greater than Moses (chap. 3). Jesus, the Word, cuts deeply and truly (4:12; see John 1:1-5). Jesus provides His mercy and grace every day (4:16).
It was angels who delivered Lot out of Sodom (Gen. 19:1-26); angels ministered to Jesus following His 40-day fast (Matt. 4:11); and an angel delivered Peter from prison (Acts 12:7-11). And for us today angels are ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation (Heb. 1:14). Just think! That includes those of us today who are heirs of salvation!
While God has His angels who minister to us, Satan has his fallen angels (demons) who do his bidding. And Paul warned us: Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light (II Cor. 11:14). John recorded: Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God (I John 4:1). Even when it seems that Satan has devastated our lives, remember that God created and rules the universe. In His own way, He directs the works of Satan to further His ultimate will for each one of us.
The importance of angels does not compare to the superiority of Christ. For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art My Son? (1:5). Yet, despite His eternal superiority as Creator of angels and because of His great love for us, Jesus willingly was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death . . . that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became (was proper for) Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain (Author, Source) of their salvation perfect through sufferings. . . . For verily (truly) He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed (offspring) of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved (was best for) Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest . . . to make reconciliation for the sins of the people (2:9-10,16-17).
It is of utmost importance that we do not worship angels, as some do today. Angels are created beings and we are to worship the Creator, not the creation. The Apostle John records in Revelation: When I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant . . . worship God (Rev. 22:8-9).
Thought for Today:
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it (Heb. 4:1).
Cross References:
For Heb. 1:3: See Ps. 110:1. Heb. 1:5: See Ps. 2:7; II Sam. 7:14. Heb. 1:6: See Ps. 97:7. Heb. 1:7: See Ps. 104:4. Heb. 1:8-9: See Ps. 45:6-7. Heb. 1:10-12: See Ps. 102:25-27. Heb. 1:13: See Ps. 110:1. Heb. 2:6-8: See Ps. 8:4-6. Heb. 2:12: See Ps. 22:22. Heb. 2:13: See Is. 8:18. Heb. 3:7-11: See Ps. 95:7-11. Heb. 4:3: See Ps. 95:11. Heb. 4:4: See Gen. 2:2.
Word Studies:
Heb. 2:17 behoved as necessary for, was imperative for; 4:8 Jesus the Lord Jesus Christ, but Joshua. Jesus is the Greek word of the Hebrew Joshua. Joshua could not provide complete peace in their "promised land" because of their unbelief. Israelites in that day had to look forward to heaven for their perfect peace, just as Christians do today; 4:12 quick living.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Steve Kagen (WI), Rep. Joe Sestak (PA), and Sec. Tom Vilsack (Dept. of Agriculture) • Country: Malawi (10 million) in southeastern Africa • Major languages: English and Chichewa • Religious freedom • 34% Protestant; 23% Roman Catholic; 16% Muslim; 16% animist; 4% cults • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and rejoice in the Lord for all His spiritual blessings (Is. 61:10).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 2:21
