Hebrews 2:10-18
10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. 12 He says,
“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;
in the assembly I will sing your praises.”
13 And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”
And again he says,
“Here am I, and the children God has given me.”
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
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So often in our efforts to be growing disciples we over-focus on our own actions and efforts. When we do this we miss what this passage in Hebrews is trying to tell us. That as believers in the teachings and claims of Christ we are children of God. The author makes this incredible declaration of grace: “Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters”.
Whether preparing work this week or facing personal “walls” of stress and health, remember that Jesus is not looking at us from a distance. He “shared in our humanity” to free us from fear.
Three Thoughts for Your Week:
- The Shared Journey: Jesus didn’t give a blueprint from heaven. He stepped into the construction site of human life. He has walked in the broken world and knows what you are feeling – not just sympathizing but empathizing knowing what you are feeling.
- The End of Hiding: If Jesus is not ashamed to call you family, you don’t have to be ashamed of your struggle. Reveal what is inside. He meets you there.
- A Family Identity: Our identity is not by what we do but in who we are. We are members of the family of God made holy by Him who became one of us.
This week, don’t try to “look” strong. Lean into the reality that the “pioneer” of your salvation was made perfect through suffering to bring you to glory. Turn to Him for strength and direction.
In this past week’s message I announced we will start a 6 week study on prayer in March. It would be good for you to check out the resources from College of Prayer on their website. Please remember we will be using a modified version of course 1 – Lord Teach Us to Pray. I will be sending out more information in the coming days.
Reminder from the Pastoral Prayer and Care team:
A pastor or member of the Pastoral Prayer team will be available on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 9-12am or upon appointment on other days. This is an effort we have been praying about to make pastoral care more available to our chhurch family and will begin next week. For those of you who are new ICEL Connect is located at Naamsestraat 106 in the center of Leuven.
Have a great week!
Blessings,
Eric Casteel
Pastor