JESUS, THE BRIGHTNESS OF GOD'S GLORY -- Tomorrow: New Series --
"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." (Hebrews 1:1-4)
Devotion 14 of 14
The book of Hebrews was written, you must remember, to believers; to people who "have once been enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come" (Heb 6:4-5). It is unfortunate that the gales of legalism have drawn many a frail vessel into tempestuous waters. While sailing in such troubled realms, faith grows weak, confidence takes flight like a wounded dove, and this world appears to be the primary one. These things are delusions, created by the mists of law-keeping.
While those in Christ are not "without law" (1 Cor 9:21), they cannot rely upon the Law for justification. When life is lived in dependence upon Law for Divine acceptance, a sound mind is not possible. Everything becomes distorted to such individuals. Hope is no longer vibrant and dominating. "Full assurance" (Col 2:2; Heb 6:11; 10:22) is not possible because of a defiled conscience. Salvation in Christ Jesus will not allow "confidence in the flesh" (Phil 3:3). The reason for this situation is straightforward. Law-keeping requires concentration on yourself. In such a case, the Lord Jesus no longer fills the vision.
Settle it in your mind to concentrate on Jesus. It is He, and He alone, Who has taken away your sins. He alone has at last satisfied a thrice-holy God. It is Jesus who created everything, and for whom it has been created. It has not been made for you, but you will obtain it all if you remain in Him! His domain is infinitely larger than your small world. See to it that you do not live within the confines of personal experience, and that your vision extends beyond your own blessings and difficulties. The empire of Jesus includes things seen and unseen. He is over dominions and powers, that take orders from Him and report to Him. He will rebuke the devourer for your sake, and summon heavenly hosts to aid you! When the storms of life rage against you, He will rebuke them. When you are faced with great floods, He will enable you to pass through them! When the fire looks as though it will ravish you, He will not allow it to kindle upon you, and you will not be burned. He is the "Breaker" who goes before you, clearing your path to glory (Micah 2:13).
God has invested everything in the Son--everything! He had the responsibility of removing the defiling transgression. He alone could overthrow the "accuser of the brethren" (Rev 12:10), and plunder spiritual rulers that controlled entire segments of the world (Col 2:15). Only Jesus could fully satisfy the Father. Only the Son could enter into death and, through the power of the Spirit, triumph over death and the grave. Who else could be seated at the right hand of the Father, making effective intercession for us, and administering a "better covenant with better promises" (Heb 8:6)? He alone effectively expounds the Father and His purpose to the believer.
Those who are intent upon gaining approval because of their obedience, must do more than keep what they conceive to be the essential commandments. They must remove their own sin, destroy the devil, and thoroughly satisfy the Father. It is incumbent that they defeat death and the grave, ascend up into heaven, and occupy the throne of God. If this cannot be done, they require a Savior. Thank God that is precisely what we have! Furthermore, it is the Savior who speaks to us. He does so in a manner conducive to salvation. If you will give heed to Him, making Him your focus, you will obtain His "great salvation."
Trust in this Savior, pilgrim! Make Him the center of your thoughts, and the goal of your faith. He has promised never to leave you or forsake you! Considering Jesus will bring the blessing. Who is able to calculate the glorious benefit of that!
PRAYER POINT: Father, again I thank You for such a marvelous Savior, who has delivered me, does deliver me, and will yet deliver me!