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Hebrews 13 - Fruit

Having recently completed the study Secrets of the Vine a second time, the following verse stood out to me.

Hebrews 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

In the study, I learned that fruit is something that the vine produces. It is the result of the vine being in the right place, and submitting to the will of the vinedresser.

As it relates to me, fruit is something that brings glory to God. For instance, fruit in a Christian context might be to send bibles to Africa. But there is a context that is even more relevant. It is the context of the world.

In order to produce fruit that the world would see as fruit, it must meet their approval. An example would be donating needed equipment to the local fire department. Or perhaps taking charge of cleaning a section of road on a regular basis. But, and this is a key but, the action should always spur those observing it to thank God for my actions - not me. The glory must go to God.

So, back to today's verse. All lips produce fruit, some produce Pokeberries and the like, which are poisonous, and others produce Blackberries.

If my lips are to produce good fruit, they must be doing something that results in bringing glory to God.

An example might be teaching English as a second language, speaking out for the rights of those who cannot speak for themselves, or leading a small group study in church or a home. The product, the fruit, of my lips should result in the observers and hearers glorifying God.

Father, may my lips be consecrated to you. Help me to produce fruit that pleases you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

What's coming from your lips? Jan
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Hebrews 12 - A Contrast

I've been looking at scripture much differently lately. Perhaps it is the stage of life I'm in, or perhaps it is the Lord giving me Valentines. Either way, I keep seeing new things in familiar places.

Nearly every encounter with angels in scripture has them telling the one they meet, "Don't be afraid. I'm not here to hurt you." Why? Because the person they've appeared to is terrified. Now, if these messengers of God evoke such emotion, imagine meeting God.

In the passage below I see God's first direct encounter with the populous. The result was abject terror, fear and dread. God was so different from them, so powerful, so holy, so amazing, that the people didn't dare approach him. His very words were terrifying.

Hebrews 12:18-21 You have not come to a physical mountain, to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai when God gave them his laws. For they heard an awesome trumpet blast and a voice with a message so terrible that they begged God to stop speaking. They staggered back under God's command: "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death." Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, "I am terrified and trembling."

It quickly became clear that the old covenant was not making people holy. It was showing them just how unholy they were, how unworthy of approaching God they were.

A new way had to be made, and it was. Jesus, came as a man to mediate between God and the populous. Jesus was not frightening, terrifying beyond all imagination. No, he was one of us.

The result is that we can approach with confidence, knowing that our Messiah is there in the joyful assembly, waiting for our arrival.

Hebrews 12:22-24 No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to thousands of angels in joyful assembly. You have come to the assembly of God's firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge of all people. And you have come to the spirits of the redeemed in heaven who have now been made perfect. You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which graciously forgives instead of crying out for vengeance as the blood of Abel did.

What a contrast; fear and terror at God's first major appearance to men, joy, redemption, perfection, grace and forgiveness at the second.

Father, thank you for sending your only son to mediate. I cannot comprehend the cost, but I am grateful. May I live my life in a way that shows it. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Don't be afraid, Jan
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Hebrews 11 - Hurry Up

We have a tradition in our home, I'm sure many others do too, that nobody eats until everyone is seated and we've prayed. There are mealtimes though that I find that I must work to contain my annoyance at being kept waiting.

I'm seated, a delicious, aromatic, spectacular meal is steaming in front of me, permeating my nasal passages, causing saliva to nearly choke me, and I have to wait. And wait, while someone gets a drink, finishes washing their hands... Aargh!

Today I noticed something similar in the Bible.

I'd never seen this before. Paul spends the chapter extolling the virtues of faith, and how the pantheon of saints that have gone on before us were expecting, by faith, a reward. Then he pens this.

Hebrews 11:39 All of these people we have mentioned received God's approval because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.

They haven't received all that God had promised.? Why?

Because they're waiting on me!

Hebrews 11:40 For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can't receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race.

Their reward, their prize, is like my meal. Until we are all seated, none can partake.

Lord, help me to run my race well. May I not cause my fellow saints to wait any longer than necessary. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Come on already! Jan
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Hebrews 10 - Outburst of Love

When you are freshly in love with someone it is like another reality takes over. They can do no wrong, you would do anything for them.

I try to maintain that type of attitude with my bride. However, as time marches on I find it's inexorable pull keeping me from expressing that love as often as I'd like. I find that I must plan and think intentionally about those displays of my feelings for her.

Hebrews 10:24 Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds.

One of my favorite, and very inexpensive, ways to show my love happens around Valentine's day. I purchase a box of children's valentines, fill as many of them out as I can, and hide them all over the house. For instance, I'll put one in her shoe, purse, coffee mug, pocket, on the steering wheel, the list goes on.

My bride then goes on a sort-of scavenger hunt. But she never finds them all - in one day. So, as she finds each new valentine, sometimes weeks later, it reminds her of my love for her.

God does that for us with his word. We can read passages of scripture that are very familiar to us, but suddenly there is a valentine stuck in it.

How he does it, I can't answer. But he does.

Thank you Father for your valentines to me. May I treasure them. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Every day is valentine's day with God.
Jan
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Hebrews 9 - No Longer In Use

Many years ago my friend John took me on a hike in the woods of New Jersey. After topping one hill we encountered a long since abandoned cemetery. He knew it was there, he was a native of the area, I did not. It was amazing to see this ancient monument yard no longer in use.

I must explain, I have a fascination with old graveyards. The stone work and inscriptions are much more ornate and creative than most anything we produce for that purpose now.

John and I wandered for a while, examined some of the memorials and then went on our way - leaving behind that which was dead and forgotten.

Today's reading, where Paul is writing about the ritualistic sacrificial system, reminded me of that cemetery.

It was an elaborate and ornate system with lofty words, and dreadful implications, a system that was steeped in death.

Hebrews 9:18 That is why blood was required under the first covenant as a proof of death.

However, when Jesus Christ offered himself up as the perfect sacrifice, the final body was buried, the final drop of blood was shed, the cemetery of oblation was permanently closed and abandoned.

Hebrews 9:10 For that old system deals only with food and drink and ritual washing—external regulations that are in effect only until their limitations can be corrected.

His righteousness imputed for us, corrected the former system's limitation. We are set free from the system of death, it can be left behind and forgotten.

Hebrews 9:27-28 And just as it is destined that each person dies only once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died only once as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again but not to deal with our sins again. This time he will bring salvation to all those who are eagerly waiting for him.

So, like me, look at that old cemetery with wonder at it's complexity, creativity, and intricacy. But don't stay there, abide in the land of the living.

Father, thank you for providing a better way. May I never forget how high a price was paid to close the graveyard. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Leave behind memories, not just a memorial.
Jan
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Hebrews 8 - The Good Heart

Funny how something I just heard last weekend at the Wild at Heart retreat is brought to light in today's reading. I guess the Lord wants it reinforced.

It is the concept of my heart no longer being "desperately wicked."

If you've been around churchianity for any length of time like I have, you've heard the following bible verse quoted.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?

The person making the statement usually follows it up with some diatribe about how sin is just a part of us and we'll never escape our corrupt nature until "glory". (Insert some shaking jowls here.)

Hogwash! All they need to do is read ahead to Jeremiah 31 and they find the verse that Paul quotes in today's chapter.

Hebrews 8:10 But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds so they will understand them, and I will write them on their hearts so they will obey them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

If they move just a tad further to Ezekiel where the New Covenant promise is explained a bit more they'd find their error.

Ezekiel 11:19 and 36:26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

If God's law is on my heart, I understand it and obey it, and I am counted as his, then my heart cannot be "desperately wicked". Further as Ezekiel shows, I have been given a new heart, one that is soft toward God. Paul confirms this in the following verse.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP) Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

So come on, live out of your good heart! Believe it, you have a good heart. Stop obeying the desires of the old flesh that is slowly decaying and dropping away.

If it was not possible for you to have a good heart then Jesus would be lying when he tells the story of the seeds and the sower.

Luke 8:15 But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.

Did you notice the "noble and good heart"? Either it is possible or Jesus is a liar. You choose.

Father, give us the burning desire to live from the noble and good heart you've given us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Let your new heart bear fruit. Jan
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Hebrews 7 - Old vs. New

I have a few friends that attend a Messianic Jewish synagogue. I noticed something while attending a Passover Seder with them this year that surprised me. The Jews are awaiting the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem, apparently so that they can reinstate temple sacrifices. I find that last thought troubling, especially in light of the following verses.

Hebrews 7:11 And finally, if the priesthood of Levi could have achieved God's purposes—and it was that priesthood on which the law was based—why did God need to send a different priest from the line of Melchizedek, instead of from the line of Levi and Aaron?

Hebrews 7:12 And when the priesthood is changed, the law must also be changed to permit it.

Hebrews 7:15 The change in God's law is even more evident from the fact that a different priest, who is like Melchizedek, has now come.

Hebrews 7:18 Yes, the old requirement about the priesthood was set aside because it was weak and useless.

Hebrews 7:25 Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save everyone who comes to God through him. He lives forever to plead with God on their behalf.

Hebrews 7:27 He does not need to offer sacrifices every day like the other high priests. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he sacrificed himself on the cross.

Did you notice the last two verses? Jesus did it once and forever, once for all. There is no other sacrifice. The reason God allowed the temple to be destroyed was because it's time had passed.

There is no marrying the old law to the new. We are under the new promise. Jesus is our mediator and law - living in our hearts.

Father, may I listen to my high priest. Give me ears to hear, and a heart that is willing to obey. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Newer is better. Jan
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Hebrews 6 - Anchor

This past weekend I went with a group of men to Colorado to experience a Wild at Heart retreat led by John Eldredge and his Ransomed Heart team. It was an amazing time of drawing closer of each other and God.

One optional element of the weekend was a high-ropes course. Naturally my band of brothers decided to pursue this activity. Being the cheerful compliant man that I am, I agreed to participate too.

Imagine being 50-60 feet in the air attempting to walk across dental-floss strung between enormous trees. The end of this fun experience is a platform that you "superman" jump off into thin-air! And by-the-way, there is some little 98 pound middle-school girl on the ground holding the end of the rope that I'm attached to. Um, she's my anchor?! Did I mention that I weigh over 250 pounds? Believe me, jumping takes quite a bit of faith.

Hebrews 6:18-19 So God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence.

This confidence is like a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain of heaven into God's inner sanctuary.

Obviously I survived the jump, and unlike my friend Eric who broke a finger (not her fault), no part of me is injured.

Contrary to my experience with Miss 98 pounds, God is a sure anchor that I have full confidence in. I know from experience that he is trustworthy; my soul is safe when attached to him.

Father, thank you that I can hold onto your promise of salvation with full confidence. You are the anchor that never fails. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ready, set, jump! Jan
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Hebrews 5 - Teaching Others

I had never noticed before that the writer of Hebrews assumes that those who have been Christians for a while should be teachers.

Hebrews 5:12 You have been Christians a long time now, and you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things a beginner must learn about the Scriptures.

What defines "a long time"? I did some research. The best scholarly estimates place this letter at about 61AD. You can read a rather well thought out treatise at this link. The author of that particular piece believes that this letter was written by Paul to Galatia, the first of his missionary journeys.

So, how long have you been walking with Jesus, and whom are you teaching? Or are you still sucking on a bottle of milk?

Father, may I teach others well. Please give me the grace to only speak your words. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Spit out the pacifier. Jan
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Hebrews 4 - Seized by the Word

This chapter contains one of the most beloved passages about the bible, or God's word.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are.

I started thinking about "the word of God". According to John, the word is Jesus. In that light, the next verse held a Greek word that jumped out at me.

Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done.

The word is "exposed". In this verse the Greek word is, "Trachelizo". The meaning is much more powerful than our translation of "exposed" or "opened".

Trachelizo: to seize and twist the neck or throat, of combatants who handle thus their antagonist. Or, to bend back the neck of a victim to be slain, to lay bare or expose by bending back.

Whoa! Jesus will grab me by the throat and judge me.

Father, may my actions not require too much squeezing on your part. Please give me grace to lead a life worthy of you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Relax His grip. Jan
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Hebrews 3 - Incongruous

I'm going to stir the stinging insect hive a tad today. I see something that does not seem to make sense.

Hebrews 3:12 Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God.

The author of this letter, whom many scholars assume was Paul, calls those he is writing to brothers. So how can a Christian have an evil and unbelieving heart?

Make no mistake, he is writing to Christians, to believers. The writer clearly says in the first verse of this chapter that those he's addressing belong to God and are bound for heaven.

Hebrews 3:1 And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are bound for heaven, think about this Jesus whom we declare to be God's Messenger and High Priest.

So since they are Christians, believers, God's property, bound for heaven, what does a verse like the following say about the certainty of their inheritance?

Hebrews 3:14 For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

The verse says "if". The Greek word is "ean", and it means exactly that.

The section translated "all that belongs to" is the Greek word "metochos". It means to share in or partaking, the second definition refers to work office, or dignity. So it is not referring to Christ's kingdom or gifts and rewards, it is about his presence.

So does that mean that if we are not faithful to the end that we will not share in all that belongs to Christ?

I don't know, but the example used by the writer of the Jews brought out of Egypt is rather telling I think. They were chosen by God. His intent was to bring them to the promised land. But, as the writer points out, due to their unbelief, their sin they did not enter into the "katapausis", the blessed place of rest where God dwells.

There is a way to keep our hears from drifting. It involves others.

Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

We need each other. I seriously doubt if anyone can successfully complete the Christian journey alone.

Father, thank you for the men that you've placed into my life - friends that speak truth to me even if I don't want to hear it. May I be bold enough to do the same for them. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Barnabas, a.k.a. Jan
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Hebrews 2 - Enslaved

What are you a slave to? I presently am a slave to finances, some health issues, and failure.

Hebrews 2:14-15 Because God's children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—Jesus also became flesh and blood by being born in human form. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the Devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he deliver those who have lived all their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

According to the verses above, that which we fear, enslaves us. I don't fear death, I do fear the process - I don't like pain. But death in and of itself, I am fully convinced, is nothing but a transition from life temporal to life eternal.

So, back to my enslavement.

I fear my family's financial future. What should happen if the economy continues along its current path? Can my present employer survive? If not, would I be able to find work, and if so, would the wage be sufficient to meet our bills?

I fear some health issues. I can do something about my weight. What will happen to my wife and children should something happen to me? Perhaps this particular enslavement is a good thing. Perhaps it will move me off my complacent butt to exercise and eat better. Once I do, I would have broken the chains of that taskmaster, at least as it concerns me.

However, what would happen to the children if something should happen to my wife? Would the court force them to live with their biological father again?

And then there is the ever present fear of failure. Dr. Steve Farrar in his video "Men Leading the Charge", said that his life goal is, "Don't screw up." I've adopted that as my own. Sadly, I find that I do screw up, almost daily. I react to a comment by my wife or children, rather than responding. I remain passive in situations that require my active intervention. I second and third guess my decisions.

Man, I hate these stupid chains. They're heavy. I thought Jesus said that he came to set me free?

Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors...

So why am I still captive to these things? Why am I still oppressed by them?

The answer I'm sure, lies somewhere in trust and patience. However, I wonder if I'll ever have as much as is required on this side of eternity.

Perhaps when Jesus proclaimed my freedom it was intended as part of the reward of heaven.

In any event. It is clear that I still have a long way to go.

Heavenly Father, may I follow you with all of my heart, soul, and mind. Please forgive my oft doubting. I long to be pleasing to you in all I think, say and do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Somewhat Afraid, Jan
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Hebrews 1 - Am I Saved?

I personally have not done much study or research into the subject of angels. However, the wording of the last verse in this chapter started me digging.

Hebrews 1:14 Are not the angels all ministering spirits (servants) sent out in the service [of God for the assistance] of those who are to inherit salvation?

The digging wasn't into the subject of angels. It is pretty clear that they are God's messengers, immensely powerful beings who assist us in our daily lives. No, the digging was into the subject of salvation.

The verse above states that angels minister or are in service of those who are to, or other versions state, who will inherit salvation. Wait, a minute. I thought salvation was when I accept Christ as Lord of my life. Does that mean that angels no longer help me once I've made the decision and allied myself with Christ?

If accepting or following Christ was the only definition or interpretation of salvation, then I guess the answer would be a yes. However, I find that the concept of salvation has at least two perceived meanings in the new testament.

The first appears to be my traditional interpretation. When I accept Christ, I'm saved from eternal damnation - separation from God.

1 Peter 2:1-3 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

In the verse above, Peter clearly implies that we already possess salvation and that we grow in it. Below are a few more examples of the same line of thinking.

Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -

Acts 15:11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

Romans 8:24 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?

They state that salvation has come or that we have been saved. Two of them state that it is so because of God's gift or grace, and the other because of our belief in that grace.

But, I found that the preponderance of verses say that salvation is at the end of the road, when we actually reach our destination.

Roman 13:11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

The verse above shows that indeed our salvation gets nearer as we walk with Christ. In other words, we are not at the place of being saved - yet.

2 Corinthians 2:15 For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

Philippians 1:27-28 27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved - and that by God.

Again, the verses above show that we are in the process of being saved, we have not arrived yet.

It would be as if a person were walking through a mine-field. Until they reach the other side, they are not saved.

So, do I have assurance that I will be in heaven should I step on one of those mines? The answer is a definitive yes! For to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. (2 Cor. 5:8)

Thus, as a follower of Christ, I know that I have salvation promised to me, I am saved. God does not take his gifts back. He has said it is mine. But until I am actually present on the other side of death, I don't actually possess it.

Father, thank you that your angels are always with me, guiding, protecting, instructing - leading me on toward salvation. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Salvation is the destination. Jan
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