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HEBREWS The following comments are from Navigator's and Quiet Time Diary journals. One verse will be entered, then the comment, then the date. 1:2 . . . in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. Today's scientists and critics would object to the words in this verse. Since they generally don't believe that God exists, they certainly wouldn't believe that Jesus created the world, or when He did it. To believe the contents of the Bible requires faith in the Author and understanding that is given through the indwelling Holy Spirit - received at conversion. (DRM 5/16/10) The Son was appointed "heir of all things" (v. 2).
Note God in eternity past assigned to the Son a kingdom, all of creation (Psalm
26). 1:3 And He [Jesus] is the radiance of His [God's] glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power, When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high; Obviously this is speaking of Jesus. I found the phrase "He had made purification of sins" a different way of saying that He died for our sins. He purified our sins if we would accept His gift. Let me never stop thanking Jesus for this gift. (DRM 3/25/01) Jesus reflects the light [radiance] that God emits. Considering how bright Jesus is, God - our source - must be intense! Jesus is our intercessor to the Father. I thank God that He is alive and cares about me from His high position! (DRM 5/16/04) The first verses of Hebrews seem to be historical review
and certainly the Holy Spirit was the ultimate author, as He is the only One who
can tell us what's happening in Heaven now. 1:4 having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. The section refers to Jesus and the angels. When Jesus was born, He was already higher than the angels. This is a reminder to worship Jesus/God and NOT angels. (DRM 3/26/01) 1:5 For to which of the angels did He ever say, Like other verses in Hebrews first chapter, this verse
tells us God's thoughts about His Son, whom we call Jesus. 1:8 But of the Son He [God] says, Jesus has been with the Father God from the beginning. He
created the earth and later went to the earth to redeem His creation by dying
for our sins. 1:10 And, THOU, LORD IN THE BEGINNING DIDST LAY THE FOUNDATION OF THE EARTH, AND THE HEAVENS ARE THE WORKS OF THY HANDS; Verse 5 states "Thou art My Son, . . . " who did all of the following, so this also describes the work that Jesus, the Son, did. Since Jesus did all of these things, He must be God also! The facts are all in the Bible - if people would only read and believe in and trust in Jesus. (DRM 5/17/04) 1:12 "AND AS A MANTLE THOU WILT ROLL THEM UP; AS A GARMENT THEY WILL ALSO BE CHANGED. BUT THOU ART THE SAME, AND THY YEARS WILL NOT COME TO AN END." This is a reminder that God is eternal. The earth was made by Him, as well as all of the people, and both will not last (verses 11 and 12). Still, God remains the same and He rules forever. While not in this body (they will be changed), I'm so thankful that I'll also live forever with Him - thanks to my faith in Jesus. (DRM 5/7/07) 1:13 But to which of the angels has He ever said, "SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET"? The easy, quick answer to the question is "none." God said these things to His Son, Jesus, and not an angel. As we get closer and closer to the tribulation period, it seems that God=Jesus has more and more enemies, but it's just that Satan has more and more influence over the current events on earth. There's a big change coming someday! (DRM 5/17/10) 1:14 Are they [angels] not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? What do angels do? From this verse I've learned that they serve those who "will inherit salvation." The believers. Praise the Lord that I'm not "alone." Since I have accepted His gift of salvation, then He sent the angels to watch and protect me. (DRM 3/27/01) 2:2, 3 For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, 3how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard. I can visualize the announcement by the angels of the birth of Jesus and other things that we know angels have done for the Lord. Were these things true? Absolutely! Does God treat us all equally for our transgressions? Probably! Then we should trust His Word, not neglect it, as our soul depends on these words for eternal life. (DRM 5/18/04) [re: 2:3] Sometimes I want to ask my unsaved friends this question. If we neglect what Jesus has done for us, then die, will we escape the judgment of God? The answer is NO! The non-believers are ignoring the answer that will determine their eternal destiny. What can be done to open their eyes? Only the Holy Spirit can speak through us. (DRM 5/8/07) 2:4 God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will. I noticed that verses 2, 3 and 4 are one sentence. Verse 2 indicates "the word spoken through angels" thus meaning that the signs and wonders mentioned here are performed by angels. This makes a lot more sense to me than humans thinking they have this power. (DRM 3/28/01) 2:7 "YOU HAVE MADE HIM FOR A LITTLE WHILE LOWER THAN THE
ANGELS; This quote about Jesus is from Psalm 8:5-6. For a little while (apx. 33 years) Jesus was on earth and was lower than the angels. After He returned to Heaven, He was crowned with glory and honor. I think He (Jesus) was always in control of God's works, as evidenced by the miracles He did. e.g. the calming of the sea. (DRM 5/18/10) 2:8 THOU HAST PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET." For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him. Everything is under Jesus Christ's authority. God "left nothing that is not subject to him [Jesus]" What we don't yet see is heaven - also under His authority. Without this knowledge, people of today try to set up their own kingdoms without Jesus and fail. (DRM 3/29/01) 2:9 But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. This verse is from the perspective of God in Heaven. Jesus
is God. He was and is over all the angels, but for a short time while He was on
earth, He was lower than the angels. 2:10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. God wants us to know and trust in His Son, Jesus. He will do almost anything to get our attention. If necessary, He will cause sufferings - as they usually cause us to question Him. When we question Him, we are more likely to LISTEN to His response and redirect our lives. (DRM 5/19/04) 2:11, 12 For both He who sanctifies and those who are
sanctified are all from one Father, for which reason He is not ashamed to call
them brethren, 12saying,
God created everything we see - even if they are
structures in a city; He created trees, wood and other materials needed if you
go back far enough. He created each of us and also Jesus. [Re: 2:11] Jesus came from the father, God. We were also created by God in His image. Since God created both of us, Jesus is not ashamed to call me His brother. I think it's great to realize how much Jesus loves me "like a brother!" (DRM 3/30/01) Hebrews 2:12 quotes Psalm 22:22, where Jesus celebrates in worship with His brothers and sisters. Because Jesus is not only our Lord but also our fully human "brother," we will someday rule alongside Him. (from Our Daily Bread MONICA BRANDS 3/2/17) 2:13 And again, These two quotes are similar to what Isaiah prophesized in
Isaiah 8:17, 18. 2:14, 15 Since then the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and might deliver those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. I'll admit it . . . I've been afraid of dying and death all of my life. This verse (v. 15) helps a lot because it states that others have the same fear — and that Jesus came to take this fear away. He came on our behalf and died for our sins, so we (I) can have assurance of our eternal Heavenly destination. Praise Jesus that I know my eternal destiny - so long as I put my total faith in Him! (5/9/07) 2:16 For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. Angels were created before or about the same time God made
people. Since Satan is a fallen angel, it had to be before Adam and Eve. 2:17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. Jesus came to earth to be like us and to feel as we feel. How could he understand what we were going through if He had never done it? He had to understand how we were easily subject to sin - so he could be the substitutionary lamb to save us from our sins. (DRM 3/31/01) 2:18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. Satan puts various temptations in our lives to try to lead
us astray from the faith. For every person is more easily tempted in a different
area. 3:2 He (Jesus) was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house. This section [3:1-6] compares the two great servants of God - Jesus and Moses. Jesus was higher, as He is the leader of our house - the church. In verse 6, I am reminded that I must continuously pursue more knowledge about my faith as that will keep my "hope firm until the end." (DRM 5/20/04) 3:3 For He [Jesus] has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house. I'll admit I never really thought of the designer and builder of the homes and apartments I've lived in. There was a lot of thought for each structure before anyone lived in it! God also designed us to love Him before we took us our "abode" or body. The Designer and Builder deserves all of our praise for what He has done. (DRM 5/10/07) 3:4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. No matter what we do to create our own house or think of ways to improve ourselves, God was the original creator of everything, including us. This shows how much God has created, and that we are a part of it. (DRM 11/2/86) 3:5 Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; At first I wondered why the "H" of His house was
capitalized - but to compare this verse to the next one, I now feel that Moses'
house was the Jewish people; whereas Jesus' house (v. 6) is all believers. 3:6 but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end. Jesus is the Head of the household. We are part of the household IF we keep our faith and trust in Him. That means that I shouldn't worry about ANYTHING, but to trust Him for every part of my life. I need help! (DRM 4/1/01) 3:7, 8 Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says; Who was speaking? The Holy Spirit. What was He saying? Listen to the voice of God speaking to me. When I hear His voice, I must do as He says and not go the other way. (DRM 4/2/01) God knows our heart and Who we are devoted to. We have a free will to decide to follow Him as believers; or not, but He also knows what we will decide in advance. Even as believers, we can drift away, or backslide, from His will and must always be devoted only to Him. This is difficult to do in some periods of trial. (DRM 5/11/07) 3:9 WHERE YOUR FATHERS TRIED ME BY
TESTING ME, This is part of a quote from God through the Holy Spirit
(v. 7). 3:10, 11 "THEREFORE I WAS ANGRY WITH
THIS GENERATION, This quote is from Psalm 95:10, 11 and refers to Moses and
the Israelites who seemingly constantly tested the Lord God at the time. 3:12 Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. A person can become a believer in Jesus' dying for their
sins, then get angry or disturbed with God when circumstances don't go as "they"
wanted. (I've had this happen.) 3:13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. I need encouragement. Usually I don't get it - as there are few who understand me. Thank God, I know that Jesus is with me! Perhaps the answer is to be an encouragement to others, as I don't want to be pulled down by negative thoughts [sin]. (DRM 4/3/01) God did not create man to live alone. We have to share our
experiences and encouragement with others. They don't need harsh words and
verbal attacks, but rather lovingkindness and gentle correction if
necessary. 3:15 While it is said, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, Verse 16 reminds us of the Israelites that provoked the
Lord God when they were coming out of Egypt with Moses. They provoked the Lord
by never being satisfied with His provisions - they got tired of manna, they
demanded more water, etc. 3:17 And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? God hates sin. We are all born sinners, but He doesn't hate all of us - it's the sin He hates; not the sinner, PTL {Praise the Lord}. Because He loves us so much, He sent His Son Jesus to be advocate if we (I) only repent of my sins. The key is to know that we need a Savior-Redeemer - or else we will also be left as bodies in the wilderness. (DRM 5/12/07) 3:18, 19 And to whom did He [God] swear that they should not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19And so we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief. [re: 3:18] Earlier (v. 16) we are told that this refers to the people whom Moses led out of Egypt. The Jews. This verse seems clear to me that the Jews are not going to enter His rest, because of their disobedience. If they would only accept Jesus. . . (DRM 4/4/01) [re: 3:18, 19] This refers to the Israelites as they left Egypt, but also to us today. God led Moses to bring the people out of Egypt, and they followed for a while, then, as He further directed, they refused His leading, thus became disobedient. Like people of today, most people don't hear His leading - or do it. God, let me be an exception! (DRM 5/22/04) 4:1 Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. How do/can we come short of His promise of eternal rest in Heaven? Unbelief. (3:19) This should cause some to fear, but most unbelievers don't fear missing Heaven because they don't know the contents of this Book. We (I) need a way to tell them what they are missing. (DRM 5/23/10) 4:2 For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. A person {me} can go to church for over 35 years and listen to the "good news" of the Gospel and never hear a thing. In some ways, I think it depends on who said it and how genuinely they felt about what they said. Praise Jesus for opening my eyes! (DRM 4/5/01) 4:3 For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He
has said, Only certain people will get to Heaven. A test is being
given on earth today to determine who will enter His Kingdom. 4:4 For He has said somewhere concerning the seventh day: AND GOD RESTED ON THE SEVENTH DAY FROM ALL HIS WORKS"; I knew where that quoted verse came from - Genesis 2:2. 4:6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience. Who will get to Heaven? Verse 2 makes it clear that a person can hear or read the word of God and not get to Heaven without faith in Him. In this verse, "disobedience" is brought up and that is from a lack of faith. Without faith in Jesus, our eternal destiny is in jeopardy. (DRM 5/13/07) 4:7 He again fixes a certain day, "Today," saying through
David after so long a time just as has been said before, The thought behind this chapter is that all people will
not enter the Lord's rest unless they have faith (v. 2). 4:8 For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that. We all need a rest after six days. 4:9 There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. After six days, God rested. Some who have heard the good news preached to them have not obeyed this and failed to enter [verse 6]. Perhaps their denial was their unbelief in the Lord, rather than the Sabbath? Still, I try to honor the Sabbath as much as possible and hope that God understands the reason that I spend or do things on His day. (DRM 5/23/04) 4:10 For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works as God did from His. Many people feel that the only way to Heaven is through the works or good deeds that they have done. God doesn't work that way, though. God wants our FAITH, then in love for Him, we perform works of appreciation. Heaven = rest. (DRM 4/6/01) 4:11 Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. This verse refers back to verses 9 and 10 - Sabbath rest.
4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Why is the word of God so sharp? Because, as we (I) read
it, the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin - by showing us the way the Lord Jesus
wants us to live - and then I can see how I'm not "measuring up." 4:13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. God knows everything. God knows where we are and what we are doing and what we are thinking. All will be judged. With all of that, why try to hide secrets from Him? He already knows it all. Certainly I need improvement on lots of things. Lord, teach me to love You more and more and want to do Your work on earth. (DRM 4/7/01) 4:14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. This makes more sense with verse 13 above. There is nothing that God=Jesus doesn't know (v. 13). Since Jesus has been proven to exist, we should honor, follow and worship Him with all our hearts. This is confession that He is Who He is = God. (DRM 2/23/12) Hebrews 4:14-16 presents Jesus as our great High Priest who is divinely appointed, superior, eternal, and has entered heaven (v. 14). He is not from the Aaronic line of the priesthood, but rather after the order of Melchizedek (5:1-10; 7:1-28), who was "without father, without mother, without genealogy" (7:3). As divine Son of God (4:14) and sinless Man (v. 15; 2:17-18), Jesus is the perfect High Priest to atone for our sins. "This Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God" (10:12). (Our Daily Bread, Insight 2/23/12) 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are; yet without sin. Jesus knows everything about us, as He is God. He knows
about our trials and has compassion for us, as He also was tempted while He was
on earth, but did not sin. Sometimes (like now), I seem to be in situations that I have no solution to. My mind is limited and "I" have run out of ideas to solve the problem. Still, I know that Jesus=God is aware of my situation and will have a solution. He will either solve the problem Himself - or tell me, by the Holy Spirit, what direction to follow next. (DRM 5/14/07) 4:16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in the time of need. This refers back to verse 15 which reminds me how the Lord Jesus knows all about me and my needs and weaknesses. He truly cares about my daily situations and wants the best for me. He gives me all that I need, but not all that I want. I am not "alone." (DRM 5/24/10) 5:1 For every priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sin ; . . . Priests in that time and priests/ministers/pastors today
are chosen by God when people feel that they are "called" into the ministry (v.
4). 5:2, 3 he (every high priest {verse 1}) can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness; 3and because of it he is obligated to offer sacrifices for sins, as for the people, so also for himself. Priests, ministers and pastors should know that they are mortals; weak without Christ living in them. Knowing that, they have to be compassionate to the ignorant and misguided to lead them to Christ. [verse 3] The Priest is not exempt from sin. (DRM 5/25/04) 5:4 And no one takes the honor [of being a priest] to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was. A person shouldn't say, "I am going to do this. . .
" based on his own will. God has to be in the plan. Only the true "I
AM" should be telling us what to do. The call to be a priest or minister is something that God sends to people. He is appointed by men to fulfill His call. Jesus was called by God to do His work on earth. While I have always - even from age 11 - wanted to be a minister, I never felt called to do the work. It seems that my mission is to share the gospel with others in various other ways. (DRM 5/15/07) 5:5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself so as to become a high priest, but He [God] who said to Him, "YOU ARE MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU"; This refers to God's call on people to become Priests, or church leaders (v. 4). This verse uses the example of Jesus, who God called to be our High(est) Priest. The decision is made by God, it is our duty to hear His call - if He chooses us for this mission. (DRM 5/25/10) 5:7 In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. There is no doubt that this refers to Jesus and His
relationship with His Father, God. 5:8 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. No one wants to suffer. Suffering indicates pain in one way or another. This verse suggests that suffering is a learning experience. Through suffering we will be more like Jesus. Lord, help me to be more like You. . . (DRM 4/9/01) 5:9, 10 And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal Salvation, 10being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. One of the questions that many people ask is - who was Melchizedek, and what did he do? There is little written about him (Gen. 14:18-24) other than he was the King of Salem and blessed Abram. I think the next verses (Heb. 5:11+) could be describing him a little more. Still the point is that we (I) need continuous instruction and must grow daily in our knowledge of God by reading or just listening to preachers for His Holy Spirit's voice. (DRM 5/16/07) 5:11 Concerning him [whom, Jesus] we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. Dull of hearing is not hard of hearing - maybe an example
would be to get sleepy during a church sermon. A new believer needs the basics
of the faith and not a theological thesis every Sunday. 5:12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. Most of us learn the Word of God slowly. There is a lot of material! Motivation helps! Before we can understand the solid food contained in His Word, we need the basics clearly understood. Lord, let me be a clear presenter of the basics of Your Word. (DRM 4/10/01) 5:13, 14 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. It seems to me that most Christians today go
through the motions of church. They go to get fed the milk of the Word of God,
talk to others, then go on with their lives, not using or growing from what they
were taught. They stay as babes. 6:1 THEREFORE leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, Growing and maturing in Christ is something that I want to
do! This verse (and verses 2 and 3) are confusing to me because of the word NOT
which doesn't seem to be appropriate. I DO want to repent for things that I've
done wrong and want to learn to serve Him. (DRM 4/11/01) This verse continues from what I wrote yesterday [5:13, 14]. God doesn't want us to stay as spiritual children, but to mature in our faith toward Him. The foundation has been built, and it doesn't need to be built again - we have to continue to go forward in the battle of trials and temptations until we reach our goal of Heaven with Christ. (DRM 5/27/04) 6:2 . . .of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. This verse is a continuation of verse one. The writer of
Hebrews states here that, as Christians, we have to mature spiritually like we
do physically. 6:4 For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, . . . This is the beginning of a three verse sentence. The whole
sentence reminds me/us that we have tasted the gift of salvation on the day we/I
became a Christian. The Holy Spirit took up residence in my body that day. 6:5, 6 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God, and put Him to open shame. This is a verse that I have a question mark next to in my Bible. The only response I can think of today is that Jesus doesn't want us to repent of sins twice. When we repent, He forgets and forgives. The second time is for nothing because He has already forgiven us. (DRM 4/12/01) This is just part of a longer sentence that almost sounds like you can lose your salvation - but I think the key word is TASTED, rather than consumed. A person can taste the Word of God and know all about it, but never internalize it. These people never had salvation - it's a full, complete surrender. (DRM 5/17/07) Apparently there is a difference of opinion on what tasted and partaker mean, according to my commentary. You may want to check on this further. . . (DRM 5/22/07) 6:7, 8 For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; 8but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned. This is an agricultural illustration of a spiritual statement. The person would be the ground and the Word of God/teaching would be the rain. It is not logical for a person to take in the Word of God and still produce weeds, thorns, thistles. If that's the case we will be burned in hell fire. We (I) need to bring forth "useful vegetation" through one of various means - e.g. sharing our faith with others. (DRM 5/27/10) 6:9 But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. The writer of this book had just finished writing about
learning more about the Word of God, milk vs. solid food (5:11-14) and how
people were not maturing as they should be. . . . followers of Christ are designed to grow into spiritual maturity. As we do, we discover that growing up in Him involves more than our own peace and joy. Growth in His likeness honors God as we unselfishly encourage others. (from Our Daily Bread, KEILA OCHOA 1/16/16) 6:10 For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. Since God knows everything, He knows the work that we do to share and proclaim His name. He wants us to help other Christians (saints) as much as possible, but I think He also wants us to tell others of our faith, so they may experience it also. (DRM 4/13/01) Most of the time I feel like I'm not doing much for the Lord Jesus. I have been willing to quit my job and move out of state for Him, but He seems to have other plans for me. At least He knows my desire, and this verse gives me a bit of encouragement. Even little things that we do are known by the Lord. (DRM 5/18/07) 6:11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, . . . Now that I am a committed Christian, I am reminded here to keep plugging on in diligence. There will be so many diversions and people to discourage me, but I must stay true to His word. The hardest part for me - is to find someone else who will teach and encourage me to walk closer to Him. The end is coming and it seems to me that everyone is still doing their own thing. (DRM 5/28/04) 6:12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. It is very tempting to stop reading and studying God's word when spending time with worldly people, but we should imitate instead people of God and continue to study and meditate on God's word to be a witness to the life changing experience that trust in Him provides. (DRM 1/18/87) 6:13, 14 For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14saying, "I WILL SURELY BLESS YOU AND I WILL SURELY MULTIPLY YOU." God keeps His promises. Abraham is used here as an
example. How many descendants of Abraham are on earth today? There must be
hundreds of millions! 6:15 And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise. While this verse refers to Abraham (v. 13), the meaning is
the same even out of context. 6:16, 17 For men swearing by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath given as confirmation is an end of every dispute. 17In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, The best illustration that I can think of would be in a
courtroom setting where the witness swears, ". . . so help me God," where God is
admitted to be greater than all. This is supposed to indicate he is telling the
truth. 6:18 in order that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge in laying hold of the hope set before us. The two unchangeable things are God swearing by Himself (verse 13) and God cannot lie. When He tells me something, I have faith that it WILL happen. He calms me down through His Holy Spirit. I have to totally depend on Him for His provisions. (DRM 4/14/01) 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, Other people and things have a way of diverting me from Christ and serving Him. This verse is a reminder that He is truly the anchor and hope for my eternal life [the other side of the veil]. While I get diverted, He is always there, waiting for my return. I pray my diversions are shorter and shorter and my walk with Him closer and closer. (DRM 5/29/04) God wants our hope to be secure. He doesn't want us to doubt our salvation. While men give oaths to confirm their intent, God gave us Jesus (v. 20) to assure us of our eternal destiny. I (we) must be anchored to this Truth, who will lead us to our destiny with Him. (DRM 5/19/07) 6:20 . . . where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. This is the end of a sentence/thought that started in v.
19 above. 7:2 [Melchizedek] to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, King of righteousness, and then also King of Salem, which is king of peace. Melchizedek had no father or mother (v. 3). Abraham gave him 10% of the spoils he received, as we would give to God. He is/was the King of righteousness and peace. In my mind, He had to be God or Jesus. (DRM 5/30/10) 7:3 [this Melchizedek] Without Father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he abides a priest perpetually. This explanation of Melchizedek makes the "person" a mysterious figure. Without parents and living forever makes me think of an angel or some other type of heavenly being. I think the point is that he is "like" the Son of God. (DRM 4/15/01) The mysterious Melchizedek is described in this section [7:1-10]. Is this Jesus? Since Jesus was with God at the beginning, Mary was only His earthly mother, and He had no mother before that. With God's help, in time, I will understand all of His words. (DRM 5/30/04) While this is a description of Melchizedek, he is still a mystery - unless he is a pre-incarnate Jesus. Jesus had a mother - Mary; and a Father - God, so where did Melchizedek come from? This is a passage that I will have to take by faith - and find out when I get to Heaven. (DRM 5/20/07) 7:7, 8 But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8And in this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on. The human priests received the tithe and lived on it. In this way a mortal man received the tithe. Surprisingly, in verse 7 it seems that the priest is considered "lesser," but that may relate to his income. I don't know how I can use this information - yet. (DRM 4/16/01) 7:12 "For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also." Apparently Melchizedek was the high priest of the Old Testament. Like yesterday, I think it was really an Old Testament version of Jesus. In the New Testament, the priests change - to Jesus. That means the Law changes also - and I don't have the rules of the Old Testament, but rather the New Testament granted to me as a result of my trusting in Jesus for my salvation. (DRM 5/31/04) 7:13, 14 For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. 14For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. According to the passage, Jesus was not of the same tribe as Melchizedek, thus not qualified to be a priest. This seems to me to show that anyone can be a priest or minister. It doesn't depend on what family you are in, but what you believe and can share about our Lord Jesus. (DRM 4/17/01) [re 7:14] Rules are made to be broken. God uses all types of people for His purposes. This verse states that Jesus was in the tribe of Judah, and that tribe was not "supposed" to be the tribe of priests. What God really wants is a willing heart to serve Him - and that's what I attempt to do when I see the opportunity. (DRM 5/21/07) 7:15, 16 And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, 16who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life. Priests or ministers become knowledgeable in their field
during their physical life on earth, and ceased to be priests when their life
was over. 7:18 For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness, Even when the Ten Commandments were written, God knew that His people could not keep to them all. He knew that, in time, he would have to set aside the law and provide a better sacrifice for our sins. He would give His Son, Jesus, as a substitution for our sins - if we would only accept this loving gift. Thank you Lord, for opening my eyes in love for what You did for me! (DRM 6/1/04) This continues the discussion that Jesus is our Priest,
rather than continuing the line of Aaron as high priest. It shows a
distinctiveness between Christianity and the Jewish law. 7:19 (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. No one is perfect. No one is sinless. We all like sheep have gone astray. By God creating the Law, nothing changed other than we knew we weren't 'measuring up' to His standard. That's why we need a perfect substitute to take the penalty for us - and His name is Jesus. (DRM 6/1/10) 7:22 so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. This section still deals with Melchizedek's priesthood,
and how he is a priest forever. 7:25 Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them. Jesus Christ can save each and every one of us if we just commit our lives to Him. With His grace, we are able to ask for anything and he will intercede for us. (DRM 3/5/87) Priests live a lifetime. They sin like us and need forgiveness themselves. Jesus lives forever and never sinned. He died once for all [v.27]. When I ask for forgiveness for my sins, I pray to the Lord Jesus Himself. He's always there. (DRM 4/19/01) Our earthly priests and pastors have a limitation - they
are earthbound, [from verse 23] thus of short duration. 7:27 Who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for his own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. Of course this refers to Jesus (v. 24) who offered Himself
as a sacrifice for all sins, past, present and future. 7:28 For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever. There is no doubt that God still calls men to serve Him in the position of priest or minister or pastor to this day. This verse points out that they are weak in comparison to the ultimate ruler and Priest, the Son of God, Jesus. Since Jesus is not presently on earth, we still need human teachers - but the absolute Head of the church is Jesus. (DRM 5/23/07) 8:1, 2 Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. In the previous chapter, Jesus was compared to the priest
Melchizedek. He came to make it possible for us to come directly to God (John 14:6), giving us access to God through our faith in Him (Romans 5:1,2). Through Jesus we become children of God who now have a family relationship with the perfect Father (John 1:12). And, to strengthen this relationship, Jesus now acts as our High Priest (Heb. 2:17; 4:15; 7:25), interceding and mediating on our behalf (1 Tim. 2:5). Based on our new standing as children of God, and resting in Jesus' perfect intercession, we can boldly approach the Creator of the universe— and call Him Father! (from Our Daily Bread INSIGHT 7/12/17 BILL CROWDER) 8:3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. Jesus is our high priest and has offered Himself (by crucifixion) for our sins. We no longer need animal sacrifices because the Lamb (Jesus) has already been slain. (DRM 6/3/10) 8:4 Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; This was an unexpected verse for me today. Jesus is the King of kings and He wouldn't be a priest if He were on earth today? It's true that the first time He was here He wasn't a priest, so why is this a surprise? We (I) expect Him to come and rule. But this verse is only theory. We Christians are the current Body of Christ and we (I) are to use our gifts to advance His Kingdom - not necessarily as priests. (DRM 5/24/07) 8:6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises. Jesus is in Heaven [v.1] and now has a more excellent ministry than when He was on earth. There were limitations on earth, but now He is overseer of all. Certainly in my mind, He deserves the worship far above anything on earth. (DRM 4/20/01) Jesus has more to offer than the priests on earth. All of the churches on earth are just copies of what is in Heaven [verse 5], but, He serves as priest at the one ORIGINAL tabernacle. There is only one Jesus, He is the Original that we should try to copy - in all aspects. His love, holiness, compassion, forgiveness, and provision should be emulated. (DRM 6/3/04) 8:7, 8 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there
would have been no occasion sought for a second.
8For finding fault with them, He
says, When God gave the first covenant to Israel, it was in the
desert, as they came out of Egypt (v. 9). It was written down in stone, or later
paper. 8:10 "FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH
THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: When this happens, it will truly be a miracle for God! The Jewish people that I know will have nothing to do with Jesus, so their hearts will have to be transformed! Praise the Lord, that He has already opened my eyes to His presence. (DRM 4/21/01) 8:11 AND THEY SHALL NOT TEACH EVERYONE HIS FELLOW CITIZEN, This refers to the house of Israel (v. 10). In the future
the Israelites will have a new heart-attitude, where they will not rebel, like
in the past, but will already know Him and want to follow Him in their
hearts. 8:12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. (Also Jer. 31:31-34) God is speaking in this verse and reminds me that by full acceptance of Him and the confession of my sins, that He will forgive me and forget all of my sins. (DRM 3/8/87) 8:13 When He said, "A new covenant," He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear. The old covenant clearly refers to the Ten Commandments as the Israelites were being led out of Egypt [verse 9]. Jesus has given us new commandments to follow now - one of which seems to be a summary of the Ten Commandments - and the believer in Christ has also been given the spirit of the Holy Spirit to direct our lives. I pray I will hear His voice. (DRM 6/4/04) The first covenant was generally the Ten Commandments and the Law. This new covenant is with the house of Israel and the house of Judah (v. 8), thus opening the doors to ALL who will have faith in Him. The Holy Spirit comes into our minds (v. 10) which reminds us of the "Law" we should follow. The Ten Commandments are important, and should be followed, but we are now saved by His grace. (DRM 5/25/07) 9:1 Now even the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary. God has always wanted us to follow His leading and not our
own. In the first covenant, or Old Testament, He had a specific worship system
to follow, including how the sanctuary was to be set up. 9:4 having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding manna, and Aaron's rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant. This chapter begins with a description of the temple. In this verse is a clear description of the ark and its contents. I believe this ark is still somewhere on earth. I can't imagine someone stealing it and not knowing its value. Praise God, we can STILL believe in Him without symbols. (DRM 4/22/01) 9:7 but into the second [inner part of the temple] only the high priest enters, once a year, not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance. Blood is not my favorite subject, maybe because I respect it's life providing properties too much. The Jewish temple required the priests to atone for the people's sins annually by using blood. Jesus died to replace that system. He gave His blood [death], so we can live and have forgiveness of our sins. (DRM 4/23/01) 9:9, 10 which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshipper perfect in conscience. 10since they relate only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation. This is referring to the Old Testament tabernacle and the
outer - or holy place - which was different from the inner - or most holy place.
The offering of gifts in the holy place was not sufficient to the Lord God —
He wanted something more. [re 9:9] Here in Hebrews 9, there is more of a history of the old covenant or Old Testament sacrificial system. This verse points out that all of the gifts and all of the sacrifices done couldn't clear the conscience of the worshipper. Thanks to Jesus, and His sacrifice, I know that my past sins have been atoned for. I think I have a clearer conscience bases on that assurance than the Old Testament worshippers did. (DRM 5/26/07) 9:11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; Earlier in this chapter the writer explains how the temple
was set up in Old Testament times (vv. 2-5) and how they needed blood to be
offered for the sins of the people (v. 7) once a year. 9:12 . . . and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. In the old covenant, or Old Testament, the system involved sacrificing animals, but when Jesus died, He "obtained eternal redemption" by sacrificing His life. We no longer have to sacrifice animals because Jesus did it all from then on. PTL! (DRM 6/6/10) 9:13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, . . . This goes with verse 14 to complete the thought. 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Jesus is the answer. Jesus died and shed His blood for our sins. He didn't want us to work our way to Heaven and get there from doing "good works," but to depend on Him. Works are OK in appreciation AFTER you have trusted in Jesus for salvation. (DRM 4/24/01) 9:15 And for this reason {v. 14] He is the mediator of a new covenant, in order that since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promises of the eternal inheritance. Jesus died for our sins; that's why He is able to redeem our lives. He HAD to die to do this. He knew ahead of time [predestination] who would come to know Him and come to live with Him in Heaven. (DRM 4/25/01) The Old Covenant [verse 13] a.k.a. the Old Testament, required the blood of goats and bulls for sanctification. Now that God gave His Son, that is far better than any animal. Again we are reminded that God called some to receive this promise - but we don't know who. I can only say THANK YOU GOD for admitting me! (DRM 6/6/04) This verse is a good explanation of what Jesus did for us by His death on the cross. The words "have been called" would be controversial to some that I know, but again, I believe that Jesus=God knows in advance who will accept His gift of salvation, and who won't. Someone has to CLEARLY present this gospel message to all who don't know it. (DRM 5/27/07) 9:16, 17 For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it. 17For a covenant is valid only when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives. This is an extension of the thought that blood must be
shed for the remission of sins. In the next verse the example of Moses'
sacrificing animals is given - which naturally leads to Jesus' sacrificing of
Himself as the final sacrifice. 9:18 Therefore even the first covenant was not inaugurated without blood. When a covenant between God and mankind was made, a blood
sacrifice was necessary. In the old covenant, before Christ, the blood came from
goats and calves (v. 12), but after Jesus died, His blood was shed once for all
our sins in His future . . . since that time. 9:22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Thank God that we no longer have to observe "the law" as it was written in the Old Testament! The reason that we don't have to even think much about the law is that Jesus Christ died and shed His blood for our sins already . . . But we must ask forgiveness of our sins as they are committed! (DRM 8/3/87) My attitude about blood seems Biblical. Blood is precious. In the Old Testament the sacrifices were performed for the blood which was used to cleanse [forgive] the people for their sins. Praise the Lord, Jesus was the sacrifice for my sins. (DRM 4/26/01) This section [verses 16-22] emphasizes that to have a covenant, that blood had to be shed. When Moses received the Law, he sprinkled calves and goats blood to clean or enforce the covenant. Jesus had to die for our sins. Without His offering of Himself, we would have no possibility of being with Him someday in Heaven. I can never thank Jesus enough for that. (DRM 6/7/04) The Law was written by God and Moses was the transcriber. In that era animal sacrifices were needed for the forgiveness of sin. When Jesus came, He became our human sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin, and the animal sacrifices stopped. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. Still, we have to accept God's provision in this regard to have faith in His provision. (DRM 5/28/07) 9:24 For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; . . . Jesus did not enter the temple to be sacrificed, like
under the Old Testament system, but rather entered Heaven as a complete
sacrifice for all future believers' sins. 9:25 nor was it that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the holy place year by year with blood not his own. Jesus Christ died for my sins ONCE, not every year as the Jewish priests DID. It seems interesting to me that Jewish sacrifices ended very soon after Jesus died. Why? There was no more need to do it! Also the Jewish priests used the blood of animals; but Jesus used His own blood to cover our sins. (DRM 4/27/01) I should add that the temple was destroyed by the Romans {?} in 70 A.D. which officially stopped the sacrifices. (DRM 1/19/05) In the sacrificial system, the priest had to go to the most holy place once a year with the blood. After Jesus died, His blood was that of the only sinless human. As a Christian, I am trusting totally in His sacrificial provision for the sins that I've committed. (DRM 5/29/07) 9:26 Otherwise, He [Jesus] would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. This section of Hebrews reminds me of Jesus' sacrifice for
me and why He needed to give His blood to cleanse me of my sins. Thankfully, He
only needed to die once for all time. 9:27, 28 And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, 28so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him. When people die and reach the gate to Heaven, at some point they will be asked why they should enter. They will be judged on their answer. Since God knows everything, perhaps they won't be literally asked. While I don't understand the association between v. 27 and v. 28 today, I am glad for the result and am looking forward to His return. (DRM 6/8/10) [re: 9:28] Jesus is coming! He's been here before to give His life for our sins. He doesn't need to do that again. His return is meet we who believe and are waiting for Him. I'm excited about the day that Jesus is coming again! (DRM 4/28/01) [re: 9:28] Jesus didn't die several times, like the calves and goats had been, or the yearly devotion by the priest. He only needed to die once. The excitement here is that Jesus shall appear again — not just to believers — but to all people - and it seems to say; just believers will SEE Him because they have eagerly awaited His return. Could this be the rapture? (DRM 6/8/04) 10:1 For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near. God gave the Ten Commandments as the Law to Moses as the first installment of what He desired of believers. After Jesus died for our sins, the second installment was fulfilled and there was no need to continue the sacrificial system. God had the temple destroyed in AD 70, and the sacrifices ceased. It's easy to see how God is working by looking at history. Bible prophecy is needed to understand the present and future. (DRM 6/9/10) 10:2, 3 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? 3But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. This was written before the year 70 when Jerusalem fell
and the sacrificial system ended. The point of these verses is that the
sacrificial system reminded the Jews of their continual sins before God, thus
had a purpose. The blood covered their sins, but the blood of Christ eliminates
our sins if we put our trust in Him. The temple construction and sacrificial system clearly meant to illustrate the separation sin had caused between the Creator and creation, but according to the writer of the book of Hebrews this temple and system were merely shadows (Heb. 10:1) of the reality that has come in Christ. Because of Christ the barriers no longer apply. God the Son has come near, and by His blood all believers - regardless of gender, station, or nationality - can come into the presence of almighty God. (from Our Daily Bread, INSIGHT, DENNIS MOLES 8/21/16) 10:4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. A Jewish person depended on the annual atonement for sins and the sacrificial system to take away sins. What about the next day? You can't keep killing animals for every sin committed. I depend on confession and dependence on One person to cover my sins - Jesus Christ. (DRM 4/29/01) I had this backwards in 2001. The sacrificial system covered for sins, but Jesus Came to take my sins away. (DRM 8/21/16) 10:5 Therefore, when He [Jesus] comes into the world, He
says, God sent Jesus to the earth and gave Him an earthly body
for the time He was here. One of the purposes Jesus had while here was to end
the Jewish sacrificial system of killing animals to cover their sins. Jesus was
to represent the final sacrifice for sins when He died to this world. Jesus' offering of Himself on our behalf is the measure of His love for us. That willing sacrifice continues to rescue men and women and offer assurance of eternity with Him. (from Our Daily Bread BILL CROWDER 4/15/16) 10:8 After saying above, "SACRIFICES AND OFFERINGS AND WHOLE BURNT OFFERINGS AND SACRIFICES FOR SIN THOU HAST NOT DESIRED, NOR HAST THOU TAKEN PLEASURE IN THEM" (which are offered according to the Law). The Old Testament Law required sacrifices of animals to cover for peoples' sins. As this verse states, after Jesus rose from the dead, sacrifices were no longer desired - as Jesus had already paid the price. (DRM 4/30/01) It seems that this theme is reiterated over and over in this part of Hebrews. My first thought today was, "why don't the Jews get it?," then I knew it was because this is the NEW Testament and they won't read/believe it. What can I do to change the hearts of the Jewish people? Show them the love of Christ, and have them know I'm a Christian - at least it's a start. (DRM 5/30/07) 10:9 . . . then He [Jesus] said, "BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL." He takes away the first in order to establish the second. Jesus came in part to take away the sacrificial system of
the Jews (v. 5-6) as that covered sins and He gave His life once to eliminate
our sins to the Father - if we trust in what He did for us. 10:10 By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. The writer of Hebrews is dwelling on the same subject. Perhaps the reason is the importance that it is for us to understand, swallow and make a part of our personal faith! Jesus Christ is the one and only sacrifice that we need for the forgiveness of sins. So long as we trust in Him, He WILL save us! (DRM 6/9/04) 10:11 Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; This is similar to verse four above. 10:12, 13 but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, 13waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET. Jesus died for our sins once, He didn't have to keep doing it for each sin committed, then went to be with His Father, God. Since then, He has been observing, but also working through the Holy Spirit and His angels, what has been occurring on earth. Someday soon He will return to trample the enemy. (DRM 6/10/04) It seems to me that I've been waiting for a LONG time to serve the Lord in Christian employment. Now it seems that "my" plans were bigger than God's were for me. . . The point here is that He (Jesus) has also been waiting — and far longer than the 20 years that I've wanted to serve Him. He's been waiting to come back for nearly 2,000 years now. (DRM 5/31/07) 10:14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. The "one offering" is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the
cross. By this act He fulfilled the penalty for sin for those who believe (in
their heart) in Him. These believers now become sanctified as a result of His
blood atonement for their sins. 10:15-17 And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for
after saying, This quote is from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah. In
this case, I believe "after those days" refers to the time after Jesus comes the
FIRST time, thus those days are our current days. 10:18 Now where there is forgiveness of these things, [sins] there is no longer any offering for sin. Jesus died once for all of our sins. He replaced the Law of the Old Testament. Animal sacrifices are no longer needed. It seems that we are being told this over and over - just trust in Jesus to forgive our sins! (DRM 5/1/01) 10:19, 20 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, In Old Testament days, the only way to the "Most Holy
Place" (Exodus 26:33) in the Tabernacle/Temple was behind the veil. When Jesus
died, God split the veil, which showed that Jesus was the final sacrifice that
was needed. He died for our sins. He gave His blood (v. 19) and His flesh (v.
20) which we symbolize when we take communion at our church. 10:21, 22 . . . and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Our great priest is Jesus. Since He died for our sins and rose to the Father, we can have assurance that all that was needed has been done - what we have to do is BELIEVE IN OUR HEART that He did it all, and trust in Him. The indwelling Holy Spirit should convict us from, and eliminate evil thoughts that were in our mind before conversion. (DRM 6/11/10) 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; Through Jesus, we can have assurance that our faith is not
fruitless. I must continuously hold on to the Lord when I have doubts as He is
always with me. Probably one of the greatest challenges of the Christian life today is to "hold fast" or stay with the instructions and teachings of the Bible. While we often don't realize it at the time, Satan keeps trying to pull us away from the Truths in the Bible. We (I) must learn what's in the Bible, so as not to be deceived by those who waver from it in various degrees - false teachers. (DRM 6/1/07) 10:24, 25 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more, as you see the day drawing near. Now that our sins have been forgiven, God doesn't want us to just wallow and be happy. He wants us to meet with others. Not just sit in a group and listen to someone speak . . . fellowship! As we never know what day we are "leaving" earth, we should talk to as many as possible. (DRM 5/2/01) 10:26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins When I came to know Jesus as my Savior, I asked Him for forgiveness for my sins. The harder part is to stop sinning. To continue to sin after His forgiveness is like ignoring the fact that I need His help. Lord, make me more like You [sinless] every day. (DRM 5/3/01) 10:27 . . . but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES. God will judge all people at some time. In the verse above
(v. 26) the person received the knowledge of the truth - but apparently didn't
act on this knowledge and didn't commit their hearts to Jesus. For this reason
they should expect the judgment of fire in this verse. This SHOULD cause terror
in their hearts, but they don't seem to understand this. 10:28 Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. This indicates to me that the Law - or the Ten
Commandments - has not been superseded by Jesus. God doesn't want us to ignore
the Law, but to continue to strive to live under its commands. 10:29 How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? It's hard for me to think of a way to make this clearer. Jonathan Edwards famous sermon comes to mind. There are many people who know of Jesus and what He has done for them, yet still refuse His gift of grace. What will happen to them? This verse says they will be punished. How can I (we) make the spiritually blind see? (DRM 6/2/07) 10:30, 31 For we know Him who said, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY." And again, "THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE." 31It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. As I grow as a Christian, I get convicted of more and more of my sins. I know I will never be pure like Jesus. As the Ultimate Judge of my behavior, He can be terrifying - especially to non-believers, but still I know that He understands me and is always willing to forgive when I ask. (DRM 6/12/04) 10:32 But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, The author of this book wasn't writing to me individually when he wrote these three verses (10:32-34). That doesn't mean that I'm looking for "suffering!" Still, all suffering isn't physical. There are people who disagree with my thoughts and new friends who do. It's a period of transition. (DRM 5/4/01) 10:33 . . . partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. This continues the thought of v. 32 above. 10:34, 35 For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. 35Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. This could happen today - apparently it happened in the
past when this was written . . . 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. Unfortunately, I know that I will have harder times ahead, either health wise or spiritually. Both then and now, I need endurance to stay on a Godly path and not be diverted from my dependence on Jesus. There will be rewards in the end, if I can only "stay the course." (DRM 5/5/01) Like this verse states, I have need of endurance. While becoming a Christian only takes a second, growing as a Christian takes the rest of my life. My soul has been taken over by the Holy Spirit, and my desires are to serve the risen Christ. There's always more to learn - and I need to endure the growth process - as it will never be complete. (DRM 6/13/04) Everyone has trials in their lives at some point. They could be from God, to test our faith, or from Satan to divert us from our faith. No matter who sends them, we (I) need endurance to go through the journey. No matter what the trial is, the hope of eternity in Heaven is still the final destination for Christian believers. (DRM 6/3/07) 10:37 FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, Sometimes, like today, when things don't go as well as hoped, I need the encouragement of this verse. Jesus' coming is 2,000 years closer than when this verse was written. When He returns, all will be different and, best of all, we will have a compassionate, knowledgeable, Godly leader! (DRM 6/13/10) 10:38 BUT MY
RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; This quoted verse refers to Habakkuk 2:4 but is not "word
for word." 10:39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul. God has no pleasure in those who shrink back from their
faith (v. 38). 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Recently I have put more of my faith in the Lord for all
of my needs. Since I have done this, I have worried less and felt much better
because of it. 11:2 For by it [faith] the men of old gained approval. Sometimes I wonder how the people who lived before Jesus
was on earth would "qualify" to go to Heaven? They couldn't put their faith in
Jesus as their personal Savior, like we do, so they had to do something else to
show God that they were trusting in Him for eternity. 11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. The emphasis of this chapter is "by faith." This verse would be controversial today because the scientists seemingly have no faith. They want to see what happened instead of believing (having faith in) Gen. 1:1. I believe that God can do anything He wants and He continues to do amazing things today. (DRM 6/14/10) 11:4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. Cain was the first son of Adam and Eve (Gen. 4:1). Abel
was second. As they grew they apparently learned to give offerings to the Lord.
He (God) talked to them and was a part of their lives (Gen. 4:6). 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. The Rapture of the church is still future, but God seems
to have raptured Enoch from this verse. Probably Enoch's experience was that of
the first person 'taken away', but it is an example of what God can and will do
in the future. 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. This begins a section on faith. How can we please God if we don't believe He exists? Since He can not be seen, we must have faith just to know He is with us. God knows our heart. He knows if we believe in Him. I pray that He will watch over me and be pleased with what I do. (DRM 5/6/01) This begins a chapter on faith. How can we serve and honor God if we don't have faith - or trust - in Him? It's a requirement! Just to look at nature, and other human beings, proves that God exists, as we can't make these things from nothing. The best part is that He loves us so much that He will provide for our needs - just so long as we believe in Him. Maybe even some of our wants. (DRM 6/14/04) I don't think you can become a Christian without faith.
The Bible's definition is in verse 1, but it's also trusting that God is our
Provider even though He is invisible to our sight right now. 11:7 By faith Noah being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. How did Noah know what God wanted him to do? By hearing an audible voice. The challenge for me (us) today is that it is very rare to hear His audible voice of direction. Today my direction come from the Holy Spirit, and the instruction given in the Bible as a general outline. How I would still like to hear His voice of direction! (DRM 6/5/07) 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. While I'm not Abraham, over five years ago, I also moved
out to a far-away place by faith. God knew my hopes and why I moved. 11:9, 10 By faith he [Abraham] lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; 10for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Abraham heard God's voice and obeyed - he had faith and
did what God told him to do. 11:11 By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised; God can do miracles. He did miracles through His Son Jesus, and continues to do amazing things today. By the above example, all we need to do to have a miracle - is to have absolute faith that He can do it. He created it all, so He can do anything! (DRM 5/7/01) Abraham and Sarah were told they would be parents when they were about 90. At first this seemed humorous, but both of them had faith that God could do whatever He willed. While I feel that most of my life has passed, I also believe that the best is yet to come. He will provide. (DRM 6/15/04) 11:12 Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE. This paragraph in the Bible (v. 8-12) refers to the faith
of Abraham. He and Sarah, his wife, were at least 90 years old when God allowed
them to have children, thus nearly as good as dead. 11:13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. This is a thought I hadn't thought of recently. These people had faith that God would do something specific - and it didn't happen in their lifetimes. Does that mean that their faith was useless? NO! Their trust in God was fulfilled later - they were just "ahead of their time." (DRM 6/16/10) 11:14, 15 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. This is like a summary verse(s) in the faith of Abraham.
11:16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. The people referred to here [they] are those who died in faith [verse 13]. God is most pleased with people who have faith and totally trust in Him for all of our needs. John 3:16 comes to mind, but even more exciting [if that's possible?] is the hope of the eternal city. (DRM 6/16/04) This verse is in the middle of the faith chapter of Hebrews. It refers to the people of faith in the chapter; but doesn't it also refer to all people to this day that trust in Jesus, and also have faith? The great heroes of the faith in this chapter are really somewhat examples to follow - after Jesus - who is #1. (DRM 6/6/07) 11:17 By faith, Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac; and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; Abraham was over 90 years old before Isaac was born, and when God told him to sacrifice his son (his only true son), Abraham was willing to do even that for the Lord. God tests us to see how devoted we are to Him. I hope I can pass - as Abraham did. (DRM 5/8/01) 11:18, 19 . . . it was he [Abraham] to whom it was said,
"IN ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE CALLED." This chapter refers to the faith of many people in the
Bible. These two verses remind us of the faith of Abraham. Father God, I want to live by faith, believing Your promises and knowing that You welcome me into Your kingdom. Enlarge my faith, I pray. (from Our Daily Bread, 3/10/16) 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come. Faith is belief that God will provide for whatever the
need - especially if it can't be seen in the immediate future by earthly
standards ( e.g. As Christians, we have faith that Jesus will return, even
though we've never seen Him and only read about Him.) Hebrews 11 defines faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." (v. 1) (from Our Daily Bread, 4/29/17) 11:21 By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. This chapter tells us of the faith of some of the Bible
heroes in the past. It's a reminder how they put their complete trust in God -
as an example to us. 11:22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones. This is another example of trusting in God=Jesus for
something that didn't occur in the lifetime of the person praying. 11:23 By faith, Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's edict. This was the faith of Moses parents, but still a good example of faith in action. God still is in control; not just in the past like these examples, but also in my life and others in the world. He even works through non-Christians! He gets HIS will done! (DRM 5/9/01) 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of the Pharaoh's daughter, 25choosing rather to endure ill treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin 26considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. Moses knew he was Hebrew either by his mother's teaching
when he was a very young child, or the distinctive blanket that he was packed in
as a baby. Somehow he knew. As he grew older, he defended the Hebrews and
eventually worked with them as illustrated in the "Ten Commandments" movie. [Re: 11:24] After Jesus, I think Moses is my favorite Bible character. Perhaps it's originally from the "Ten Commandments" movie. Still, as this verse points out, somehow he knew that he was a Jew in Pharaoh's home. Who told him? The important part is his faith and devotion to the Lord God - and his ability and desire to do all that God told him to do - sometimes with a little convincing :-) (DRM 6/7/07) 11:27 By faith he [Moses] left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. Moses was sent down the river at the age of three months,
then the pharaoh's daughter had Moses' mother raise him until age two or three
(Exod. 2:10). This is probably how he knew he was not an Egyptian. 11:28 (Moses) By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the first-born might not touch them. In many respects, Moses life showed his faith in the Lord. No one before had to do the things that God told Moses to do. Today's verse is just one example. The blood was from the sacrifice given for our sins in the Passover, and later by Jesus' blood for our sins. Thank you, God. (DRM 6/17/04) 11:29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned. God helps His people. As these people [really Moses] showed their faith in the Lord, He showed His love for them by performing many miracles for them. While my miracles aren't obvious to me, I'm sure He loves me, too. (DRM 5/10/01) 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. God can tell us to do something in one of several ways, but we have a choice to do or not to do it. Joshua knew what God's plan was - but he had to actually do it - which required faith. He could have given up after six days and it would have been totally different. (DRM 6/18/10) 11:31 By faith Rehab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace. In Joshua we were told about the Battle of Jericho. The
two spies (Joshua 2:1-21) went to Jericho in advance and Rehab was the woman who
feared the Lord and helped them - thus saving her life (Joshua 6:23) before the
city was destroyed. 11:32, 33 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, [re: 11:32] How can God use you if you have no faith in Him? While God used the well known, He also used all in today's verse and many others as well. For God to use me, I have to demonstrate my faith in Him, then be open to let Him work through me. (DRM 5/11/01) God walked through all of these people - and many more - to do great things. But first they had faith that He would help them when they called upon Him with their needs. I am convinced that God will also help and direct me - when I tell Him my needs. (DRM 6/18/04) 11:34 . . . quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Faith. These people had the faith to trust in the Lord God
to provide for them during difficult times - and He always was there. 11:35 Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection; This is a more complex verse concerning the faith of the people involved. Mary & Martha received Lazarus back by resurrection - if that's what is referred to. Some - many - Christians were tortured for their faith and didn't accept a release that required allegiance to someone other than Christ. They and we are put through trials of various sorts so that we may look forward to a better - eternal - reward in Heaven. (DRM 6/8/07) 11:36 . . . and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. This is a reminder of what other Christians went through
in the past - and they didn't give up their faith in the provision of the Lord
Jesus. 11:37, 39 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated 39And all these, having gained approval for their faith, did not receive what was promised. Faith is not always getting what I want. Asking God for something and receiving it helps, but the act of faith is knowing that God is the supplier of all. He can choose not to give us something because of the big picture, but we must have faith to trust in Him for everything. (DRM 5/12/01) 11:39, 40 And all these, having gained approval for their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect. All of the faithful people in this chapter had a vision, or instruction from God. While some goals were realized, the ultimate goal of being with Him - was not yet realized. We all have to wait for Jesus for true completion - and I can't do that on my own. (DRM 6/19/04) We (I) have a lot to be thankful for. There have been, and still are, many people who have suffered for their faith in a way similar to people who died for our freedom in the USA. Like us, they had hopes for better days - but those were unfulfilled on earth. In v.40 it seems that they are all waiting for us today to meet them - so the new creation can begin. (6/9/07) 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Who is this cloud of witnesses surrounding us? Most likely
it is a group of angels. No one knows if relatives and Christian friends that
have died are aware of what is happening on earth or if they are too involved
with activities where they are now. 12:2 . . . fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Jesus knew "the joy set before Him" when He would return
to Heaven after having served on earth. 12:3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart. Jesus as the example. He suffered for my sins far more than can be imagined. He lived to suffer just for my sins! If He could do that for me, I should be able to go through the trials in my life. (DRM 5/13/01) Everyone who is a Christian, and probably non-Christians also, have had to endure trials of one sort or another. It's a part of the growing process, and never comfortable. For Christians, this verse reminds us (me) that Jesus had a bigger trial in His crucifixion and still loved us (me) enough to go through it all. With His example, our trials should be easier to handle, and our thankfulness to Him increase. (DRM 6/10/07) 12:4, 5 You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding
blood in your striving against sin; 5and
you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, No matter how much I try, I still sin. There's always
something that needs to be improved. If I were to think I were sinless, all I
have to do is go to the Bible and read a list of sins
and immediately I'll be convicted of something that I could improve upon. 12:6 FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES,
Every believer has to be tested at some time in his/her life. People can say they are believers, but when something "bad" happens, our actions will show if we truly trust in Him, or try to work things out without consulting Him. (DRM 6/20/10) 12:7 It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? This is Father's Day, and this verse is appropriate as I think of my father and my Father in Heaven. While I don't think of the discipline that I received, I do remember the disappointments and corrections made over the years. With all of the corrections in my course, I hope that I will stay on the narrow way until my time on earth ends. (DRM 6/20/04) 12:8 But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. I don't like discipline, but the Bible says here that we
have all received it from the Lord. I feel like I'm receiving some of it now.
12:9 Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? [with Him] This section of Hebrews refers to earthly and God's
discipline; comparing the two. 12:10 For they [earthly fathers] disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. I can't complain about my earthly father's discipline, as
I don't recall any. I always tried to do what I was told - which was good then,
but I wonder as I've gotten older and never married. 12:11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. God disciplines all of us. I think the way He does this is by not allowing our personal plans to succeed. He wants us to lean on Him and totally depend on Him from day to day. I hope to learn the right way from Jesus my Lord. (DRM 5/14/01) 12:12, 13 Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, 13and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. The context of the previous verses in this chapter refer
to the discipline the Lord gives to us; His children. He wants us to grow
stronger in our faith while on earth. 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Since I became a Christian there have been a few spiritual battles. It seems that my mind is being divided by two opposing thoughts. One of these battle areas is how to treat those whom I work with and talk to. Sometimes I am tempted to yell and get angry with them, but my spirit is convicting me to be more holy and to set a good and peaceful example. (DRM 11/17/86) It's a natural desire for me to desire or pursue peace
with all people. I don't want to fight or cause bad feelings with others. For
the same reasons, it is hard to tell non-believers that they need to be
sanctified or to know Jesus as their personal Savior. While I don't want to
cause a disagreement, now else will they know the Truth? 12:15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; Here is some of God's will for each of us. As Christians, He wants us to share our faith - so that all we have contact with will also have God's grace in their lives. He is upset with the people who have bitterness and cause division in His body - the church. So, we are to share the Good News, and not become bitter or promote the division of the church - as He wants us to be one Body. (DRM 6/11/07) 12:18, 19 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, 19and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them. This long paragraph refers to the differences between Mt.
Sinai and Moses experiences, to Mt. Zion - also known as Jerusalem - the city of
the living God (v. 22). 12:21, 22 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, "I AM FULL OF FEAR and trembling." 22But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, . . . The title of the section is called "Contrast of Sinai and Zion." I believe that Moses met God on Mt. Sinai as he never got to Jerusalem. We will meet God in the New Jerusalem - Mt. Zion. Certainly that day will be the highlight of my life! (DRM 5/15/01) [re: 12:22] In contrast to Mt. Sinai [verse 18], Mt. Zion - or the New Jerusalem - is waiting for believers who are righteous and have been "made perfect" [verse 23] where we will see Jesus, our mediator [verse 24]. Certainly this is a motivator to me to live the Christian life and look forward to being with Christ in the New Jerusalem. My fears should be gone after reading of this hope. (DRM 6/22/04) [re: 12:22] In verse 18, Mt. Sinai is described as the mountain that had the blazing fire, darkness, gloom and whirlwind. Instead, Mt. Zion - Jerusalem - has been and will be the city of the living God. When presented a choice, I would think all people would choose to go to Mt. Zion, but their minds are closed to spiritual realities. Who will open their eyes? (DRM 6/12/07) 12:23 . . . to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, . . . This section is comparing Mt. Sinai to Mt. Zion and states that we are not coming to Mt. Sinai where God had fire and anger, but rather we are coming to Mt. Zion (Jerusalem) where all the things in this verse (v. 23) will exist. I would call this the "New Jerusalem" from Revelation 21. (DRM 6/22/10) 12:24 . . . and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel. The context (vv. 22-24) states . . . you have come to . .
. and to Jesus. 12:25 See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. When God tells us to do something, and we know that it's
Him - we are not to refuse. The person who warns us in the second sentence is
not God, but a person on earth, perhaps a Christian leader or prophet in that
time - as he warned them to follow a particular path. 12:26 And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, "YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN." In previous verses (vv. 18-21) the author reflected on how
God spoke to Moses and the Israelites from Mount Sinai. His voice was clearly
heard then (v.19)! 12:27 This expression, "Yet once more," [will God shake the earth, and also heaven] denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Imagine the great cities of the world with no tall buildings. This seems to indicate that the world's earthquakes will shake them all down. In that day there will be no more churches either, as there will only be One to worship. Perhaps shaking up heaven will refer to the drastic changes there with the rapid change in it's population due to the rapture. (DRM 6/23/10) 12:28, 29 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; 29for our God is a consuming fire. [re: 12:28] God knew in advance that I would be a part of His Kingdom
- the greatest Kingdom of all - so I should show appreciation and gratitude for
this awesome gift. Our job in life is to be a servant to the mighty God. I must be reminded that all decisions in life come from Him. With that in mind, He deserves all reverence and awe. He can consume me with fire if I don't listen to His voice and follow Him. Still, He gives us forgiveness when we ask - and loves us even when we fail. (DRM 6/23/04) [re: 12:28] These last five verses of the chapter refer to the final shaking of the heaven and earth - I think to remove the unbelievers. In this verse we (I) are reminded to be thankful that we will make it through the shaking process, and, in appreciation, should be serving Him in whatever way He leads. (DRM 6/13/07) 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. This adds to my perspective on angels. Generally I've
thought of them as being invisible, or something like "glowing ghosts" that do
God's will. "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels" (Heb. 13:2). Genesis 18-19 records Abraham's hospitality to three mysterious strangers. In reality, these were God's messengers sent to judge the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Interestingly, by protecting Lot and his family, these messengers from God provided a greater blessing than they had received from Abraham's hospitality. (from Our Daily Bread, Insight, 7/21/12) 13:3 Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body. I have nearly no experience with people who are in
prisons. There are Christian testimonies of prisoners in
Testimony Newsletter, however I knew
none of these people individually. 13:5, 6 Make sure that your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," 6so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?" {Psalm 118:6} Verse five is the context for verse six, thus we know this
whole passage refers to money. [Re: 13:5] Money is the root of all evil, however it is also necessary to pay the bills! The love of money refers to desiring more than what is necessary for a normal existence = greed. When we have too much money, we don't depend on God for our needs. As shown here, the best way is not to dwell on accumulating more, but depend on Him. (DRM 6/24/04) [Re: 13:5] Money is nice to have, but having too much causes problems, as does having too little. I need money to keep coming in to pay my bills - but how much do I "need" above that? God watches what we do with what is received - and how we give toward the work of His Kingdom. (DRM 6/14/07) 13:7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. I like this verse. I would have liked for that to happen to me. I haven't seen the person who led me to Jesus in several years now. I don't know much about what is going on in his life. I still need someone to substitute for that person and for me to imitate - the best one is Jesus. (DRM 5/17/01) 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. This is the shortest verse I've written on in a while. It's also one that's easy to memorize! Our God=Jesus is eternal. He has existed since the beginning (Gen. 1:26). He is still alive and answers prayer, and He will be with us in Heaven for eternity - as our Leader. He knows all, so there's no sense in trying to keep any secret from Him. (DRM 6/24/10) 13:9 Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited. While food is necessary for the physical body, for our spiritual body to be strengthened, we need God's grace - Jesus - first. He is our spiritual Provider. We are to follow only His direction, not other strange teachings - like in some "commentaries." (DRM 6/25/10) 13:11, 12 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. This is a new association to me. I thought the sacrifices were done inside the temple. Obviously the smoke would not be inside. . . Sin is also something that is repulsive and "smells bad," so should be dealt with outside. Thank you Jesus for dealing with our sins! (DRM 5/18/01) From the drawings that I have seen, the burning of the animal carcasses was done in an open area - not inside - as written here. The smoke would have quickly filled the holy place if it had been inside. When Jesus was sacrificed for our sins, He also was outside the gates of Jerusalem - thus showing that sin had to be eliminated before entering the holy place - and He was substituting for the sins of all mankind. (DRM 6/15/07) 13:12, 13 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13Hence, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. The priests brought the animals bodies outside the gate to be burned. (verse 11) Jesus died for our sins outside the city gate - and now He is asking us to go outside of our city - or comfort area - to bear His reproach; which could be to tell others of His love for them. We will have to go to uncomfortable places - outside the box - to tell others about Jesus Christ. (DRM 6/25/04) 13:14 For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. The context of this verse (vv. 11-13) emphasizes that
animal offerings and Jesus suffered outside the gate of the city. 13:15 Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. When things don't go "my way" or the way I expected, I become disappointed and wonder why. When good things happen, then I praise the Lord. I think that I should also praise the Lord when things don't go as expected - as He is trying to correct me and have me learn His way. (DRM 5/19/01) 13:16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Doing good works does not bring you or the other person
salvation. Good works are often done as a result of salvation - as we desire to
help others as Jesus did, but non-Christians also do the same. Sharing the good
news of salvation is a better work - as it could lead the other person to
trusting Christ. 13:17 Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. Over the years I have certainly had problems with people who had authority over me - mostly employers, but also church authority and parents. If I only dwelled on this verse, I think I would try harder to be submissive and remember that God put these people in my life for this reason. (DRM 6/26/04) At first I thought the reference here was for us to obey our spiritual leaders, but this could also apply to our non-spiritual employers. We are to submit to authority - no matter what their belief. We may express our opinion, but God placed them in that position, so we (I) must follow their lead. (DRM 6/16/07) 13:18, 19 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. 19And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner. While there is discussion on who wrote the book of
Hebrews, the church that received the letter knew. 13:20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, This is the first half of a long sentence that encourages us to do His will. In this verse we (I) am reminded what Jesus' purpose was on earth - to be the first to be "brought up from the dead," or resurrected. God did this through "the eternal covenant" that is unexplained, but probably an agreement between the Father and the Son. (DRM 6/26/10) |