Bible Pathways - December 12, 2005

December 12, 2005

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). It is comforting for us 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 of us who are heirs of salvation through faith in Christ. Even when it seems that Satan has devastated our lives, in His own way God, who created and rules the universe, causes the works of Satan and the wrath of men to further His ultimate will for each one of us (Romans 8:28).

The importance of angels does not compare to the superiority of Christ, for unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art My Son? (Hebrews 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 fitting for) 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 verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed (offspring) of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved (was best for) Him to be made like unto 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).

Christ is a merciful and faithful High Priest to Jew and Gentile alike who receive Him as Savior. Unbelievers are warned not to be like the unbelieving Israelite that could not enter in (the promised land) because of unbelief. 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 3:19, 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:

Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Margaret Raysin, Geneva M Burgess, and Burton D Kvernevig · Staff: Benjamin Wallace · Country: Belarus (10 million) in northeastern Europe · Major languages: Belarussian and Russian · Religious freedom · 48% Russian Orthodox; 22% Roman Catholic; 1% Protestant; 1% Jewish · Prayer Suggestion: Remember that the Lord is always ready to help you in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Peter 1:23