Bible Pathway - Dec. 12, 2011

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 1:1-5,14). Jesus provides His mercy and grace every day (Heb. 4:16).

The superiority of Christ is the theme of the Book of Hebrews. He is far superior to the prophets, the priests, Moses, and the Law, as well as angels. For unto which of the angels said He (God) at any time, Thou art My Son (Heb. 1:5)? Although angels are messengers of God, Jesus Christ — the Son of God — is superior though born in a Bethlehem manger.

The Lord Jesus Christ is also superior to the high priest. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession (4:14).

Christ cleansed us from our sins by His blood; He now sits at the right hand of God as our High Priest: Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them (7:25). The Covenant of God with the Israelites centered upon the Ten Commandments that were on tables of stone, written with the finger of God (Ex. 31:18); but the Covenant of Christ with His born-again believers is written upon our hearts (Heb. 8:10).

The Old Covenant was temporary, but the Covenant of Christ is eternal (13:20). For believers to worship God under the Old Covenant, it was necessary for the blood of many animals to be offered daily. But the New Covenant required only one sacrifice — Christ's own blood once for all (10:1-29).

The word better is one of the key words in the Book of Hebrews. We have a better Covenant (8:6), better promises (8:6), a better hope (7:19), and a better . . . substance (10:34).

This Book reveals that the power to live the victorious Christian life is Jesus Christ. As the Living Word of God, He is all-wise and all-knowing. The Holy Spirit uses the Bible as our all-sufficient source of strength, enabling us to live in fellowship with Him.

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. . . . For the Word of God is quick (full of life), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. . . . Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:1,12,16).

Thought for Today:

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us (Eph. 3:20).

Cross References:

For Heb. 1:3: See Ps. 110:1. Heb. 1:5: See Ps. 2:7; II Sam. 7:14. 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, was necessary for, was imperative for; 4:8 Jesus, Joshua (not the Lord Jesus Christ). Jesus is the Greek word of the Hebrew word Joshua. Joshua could not provide complete peace in their "promised land" because of their unbelief. Israelites in that day had to look forward (in time) to heaven for their perfect peace, just as Christians do today.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Elaine Merrell • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Government Official: Rep. Blake Farenthold (TX), and Sec. Tom Vilsack (Dept. of Agriculture) • Country: Israel (6.1 million) in the Middle East • Major languages: Hebrew and Arabic • Witnessing to Jews about Christ the Messiah is actively discouraged • 80.2% Jewish (mostly secular); 14.6% Muslim (largely Sunni); 2.1% Christian; 1.6% Druze; 1.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord when in despair; He is your deliverer (Jon. 2:5-6).

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Corinthians 13:2