December 17 - 2 Timothy 4:19-22, Hebrews 1:1-4:13

Good morning everyone,

The book of Hebrews is a letter written mainly to the Hebrew believers. The author of this book remains a mystery, though originally Paul was thought to have penned it but that was rejected because the writing style of Hebrews is much different from that of his other letters and too, Paul always identified himself.  Hebrews is thought to be written later in the era of the early church but before the Temple was destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70. Its purpose was to present the Lord Jesus Christ as perfect and superior in comparison to anything Judaism and the old covenant had to offer. The author was writing to a group of Christians who were under intense persecution and some were contemplating a return to Judaism. He warned them not to turn away from their only hope of salvation.

 I love the beautiful picture Hebrews paints of Jesus; who He is and what He has done, don’t you? We get a glimpse of the Lord Jesus Christ as the God man more clearly than we do in any other book of the Bible and because He is what He is and has done what He has accomplished for us, we have a covenant better than that of Israel. In every way we have things better than those enjoyed by the Israelites. 

In 4:12-13 we read, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” The Bible is not simply a collection of words from God. No way, it is so much more. It is alive! It is living, life changing and energetic as it works in us with the precision of a surgeons scalpel. God’s Word reveals who we are and what we are not. It penetrates the core of our moral and spiritual life. It rebukes us. It chastens us. It comforts us. It guides us and gives light to our path. It preaches to us. It restrains our foot from evil. It frowns on us when we sin. It warms our hearts with assurance. It encourages us with its promises. It stimulates our faith. It builds us up. It ministers to our every need. It is alive and dynamic. No other book ever written has that effect.

Friends, God loves us so much He gave us His Word, a set of  “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth” the BIBLE. to help us at this weigh station called earth.  I would encourage you to use this gift, this tool to see you through each day. To learn your God, explore who He is and how much He loves you. Then prepare to be amazed the difference, how increasingly better a life following God’s plan is. Not always easier, but infinitely better. Amen?

Have a great day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all …..