SEEKING BETTER THINGS

"By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. . . . 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." (Hebrews 7:22 8:6)

Devotion 1 of 26

INTRODUCTION

The Word of God associates salvation with greatness and Divine excellence. I am distinguishing Divine excellence from the human perception of excellence that is based upon mere appearance.

Nothing about salvation is mediocre, common, or usual. A "great God" is not capable of providing an average or inferior salvation. What we have in Christ is "better" from every vantage point. Any view to the contrary, regardless of its popularity, is a delusion. As such, it is damaging to those who embrace it.

The days in which we live are particularly perilous in this regard, especially in the Western world. For whatever value it is, statisticians now apprise us that North America is the whole continent in all the world where Christianity is not growing. In a frantic effort to prop up a deteriorating church, religious leaders have incorporated entertainment, community services, and motivational training into their church program--borrowing from the world what their religion has not been able to produce.

All of this has occurred because life in Christ simply has not been associated with "better things." It is not unusual for those considered to be expert in spiritual matters to be specialists in language, history, methods of interpretation, or some other ancillary facet of knowledge. Proportionately, it appears as though there are precious few who are experts in God, Christ, the Scriptures, and salvation. Again, I want to emphasize this is the fruitage of not associating greatness and excellence with "the salvation with is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" 2 Tim 2:10).

"Nothing bettered!"

Like the woman with the issue of blood, many people are "nothing bettered" (Mark 5:26) by their exposure to theological doctors. Their religion is inferior, and thus robs rather than helps them. They are not receiving "better things," and therefore are no better themselves. When they meet with their religious peers, it is "not for the better" (1 Cor 11:17). Some actually leave assemblies worse off than when they came. Their souls are still famished, their faith frail, and their hope weak. The Sun of righteousness has not risen upon them, their sins plague them, and their hopes remain buried in the ashes of despair.

Such things are inexcusable in this "day of salvation" (1 Cor 6:2). We have a better covenant, better promises, and a better High Priest! Nothing about this situation does not make for personal betterment and spiritual advance! To ignore such benefits is disastrous. To embrace them is to be blessed!

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, I seek to see more of the good things you have prepared for those who love You.

-- Tomorrow: A BETTER COVENANT --