Sunday, December 13, 2015

To Those Who Shall Endure

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus In Every Chapter
Date: Sunday, December 13, 2015
Chapters: Hebrews 1-5
Message Title: To Those Who Shall Endure

Hello My Friend,

The Book of Hebrews is the nineteenth book of the New Testament, the fifty-eighth book of the Bible, and contains thirteen chapters. The author of this epistle was Paul and it was written to the Hebrew believers, also known as Jews, and was written around 65BC. The purpose of the letter was to present Jesus Christ as the Mediator between God and man. What we are to learn from it is that Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant, established on better promises. “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.” - Hebrews 8:6,7.

As we are in the midst of the Christmas season many people do observe the birth of Christ. However, some are led to believe that Christ was born two thousand years ago, they are unaware that He has always been, in fact, that He is God in the flesh. Yes, He is the Son of God, yes, He was birthed in the flesh as any human through the womb of a woman, but He always has been, and He is seen throughout the Old Testament as the angel of the Lord. Now, many Jews have a superstitious or idolatrous respect for angels, they look to them as the mediators between God and man. Paul begins his letter to the Hebrews, explaining the mediators God used before Jesus came here in the flesh, first the prophets and then the angels, who have no power over Christ.

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” - Hebrews 1:1-5,14.

Being made so much better than the angels,” If you have any trouble understanding the birth of Christ and why it was necessary that He come here in the flesh as He did, then the Book of Hebrews explains it. You see, God loves us so much, we were created in His image, that's how much He loves us, but our flesh causes a division between us and Him, rather the sin of it does. God could have made any other way for us to redeemed, but He chose to come here in the flesh Himself, and did that so that we have a way to be redeemed permanently. And in case you were wondering, yes, He is God, and can be in several places at one time. Paul continues to explain that God came here in the flesh to be that redemption for all who believe in Him.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.” - Hebrews 2:9-13.

For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one:” The amazing thing about believing in Christ and accepting Him as our Saviour is that we become joint heirs with Him. It would have been enough that He was the blood sacrifice that became redemption to all who believe, but He didn't stop there, He made us one of His very own, nothing, not even death, can separate us from Christ. Praise God! Many people are brought up under the assumption that people of Old Testament days were brought up under a different law. While they did had the law of Moses, which was basically about keeping them in check with God, these were not given as a means to be saved. They too had to believe in Christ, whom they know to be the Messiah. Paul, explains that Moses was merely the servant God used to guide the people to His house.

For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” - Hebrews 3:4-6,12-15.

if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” Thousands of people talk about Christ every day, but that doesn't mean they are saved. We can say a lot with our mouths, but it's the heart God looks at, many will profess they know Christ, but few will actually believe that He alone is needed for salvation. This is why Jesus Himself said, if we believe until the end we will be saved.“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” - Matthew 24:13. Those who truly believe that until the day they die they are saved by grace through His finished work on the cross will be saved. Paul reminds the Hebrews that the same Gospel was preached to their ancestors, through the Mosaic law, and they too had to believe.

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” - Hebrews 4:2-7,16.

For we which have believed do enter into rest,” To know and accept the Saviour, whether we know Him as the Messiah or Christ is more than being saved from death and hell, it's being set free from all sin, it's having a one on one relationship with God, it's eternal life in His Kingdom, and entering into His rest. Melchisedec, was King of Salem during Abraham's days, and a high priest. He met Abraham before he even had a son, but knew that of his sons there would come a high priest that would be above all. The Jews had high respect for Melchisedec, seeing him as perfect, sinless, and righteous. Paul explains that while Jesus didn't make Himself a high priest, even Melchisedec believed in Him. “So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” - Hebrews 5:5-9.

he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” Jesus Christ, the Apostle and High Priest of man, is not only is our guide, our mediator, and our Saviour, He is also the head of the Church, His Church to be exact. Who are members of His Church? Every, saved, born again believer. All who believe obey the command of God that only through Him do we have eternal life. “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” - 1 John 5:13.

Today's Prayer: Jesus, I will never understand how I can be saved simply by believing in and accepting You as my Saviour. But I do understand that I am saved by my faith in Your finished work, and I am trusting only You for my salvation. Thank You for saving me, it's not always easy to follow the path that seems to have so many obstacles to follow You, but I know I can endure them through You. Lead me and guide me, when I start to doubt or feel like things are hopeless keep me looking to You, my Saviour, my God, my everything, who endured the most pain of all so I don't have to. I love You and am nothing without You. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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