Read Hebrews 1 -- 4
In Today's Reading:
Why Christ assumed a human body; Christ's superiority to angels and Moses; salvation; Christ, our High Priest
It was angels who delivered Lot out of Sodom (Genesis 19:1-26); angels ministered to Jesus following His 40-day fast (Matthew 4:11); and an angel delivered Peter from prison (Acts 12:11). But, even more comforting to us is to know that angels are ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14). Just think; that includes all who are heirs of salvation. Even when it seems that Satan has devastated our lives, God, Who created and rules the universe, in His own way causes the works of Satan and the wrath of men to further His ultimate will for each one of us.
The importance of angels does not compare to the superiority of Christ. For to which of the angels said He at any time, You are My Son? (1:5). Yet, despite His eternal superiority as Creator of angels, because of His great love for us, Jesus willingly was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death . . . that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became (was proper for) Him, for Whom are all things, and by Whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. . . . For verily (truly) He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed (offspring) of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved (was best for) Him to be made like to His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest . . . to make reconciliation for the sins of the people (2:9-10,16-17).
Consider the honors conferred upon Moses who delivered Israel from Egypt. Through him the whole Levitical order, the Tabernacle, and the formal worship system were instituted; but Christ delivered all who receive Him from eternal hell (John 3:16).
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 (Hebrews 4:1).
Cross References:
For Hebrews 1:3: See Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:5: See Psalm 2:7; II Samuel 7:14. Hebrews 1:6: See Psalm 97:7. Hebrews 1:7: See Psalm 104:4. Hebrews 1:8-9: See Psalm 45:6-7. Hebrews 1:10-12: See Psalm 102:25-27. Hebrews 1:13: See Psalm 110:1. Hebrews 2:6-8: See Psalm 8:4-6. Hebrews 2:12: See Psalm 22:22. Hebrews 2:13: See Isaiah 8:18. Hebrews 3:7-11: See Psalm 95:7-11. Hebrews 4:3: See Psalm 95:11. Hebrews 4:4: See Genesis 2:2.
Prayer Needs:
BP Staff: Charity Ryan · Pray for Linda Rathbone, French translator · for the International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of my husband Neville · Country: Gabon (1 million) in west-central Africa · Major language: French · Religious freedom · 66% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 3% animism and ancestor worship · Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your prayer of thanksgiving for the marvelous blessings of God (Psalm 18:1-3).
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 5:6