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Friday September 6 - Free from fear of death
...by his death he might... free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. Hebrews 2:14-15
I wonder what frightens you? Personally, I’m claustrophobic, so I don’t like elevators, hate crowds and do my best to avoid any room without windows. Some people I know have no problem with those situations but go into panic if they see a mouse or a spider. One friend of mine can’t stand heights and won’t even go up a steep staircase for fear of falling. The point is, we all have things of which we’re fearful – some common, some unusual – but the fear that’s most common around the world is the fear of death.
Fear is a harsh taskmaster. It’s always bossing us around, trying to control what we do. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With God on our side, we have the resources to tell fear that it’s not our boss anymore and we don’t have to submit to it. This is especially true when it comes to fear of death. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the power of the devil, who holds the power of death, has been broken. Our bodies will pass away, but our spirits, that part of us which is created in the image of God, will never die. And because of Jesus, we have nothing to fear on the day of judgement, ‘because fear has to do with punishment’ (1 John 4:18) – but Jesus took our punishment on himself, so we can be confident in his love.
Lord Jesus, please help me to live fearlessly, in the confidence of eternal life that you have provided for me. Amen.
Sat September 7 - Merciful and faithful high priest
...he had to be made like them... in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest... Hebrews 2:17
We’ve been focusing this week on Jesus being made lower than the angels for a little while, so that he might return to his original place of superiority over them, having been faithful to his Father’s will. Because Jesus willingly humbled himself in this way, we are the recipients of so many blessings and benefits when we turn to him. One of those is that Jesus now intercedes for us, as one who understands what it’s like to be human.
The role of the high priest in Old Testament times was to be the mediator between God and the people of Israel. The writer of Hebrews wanted his readers to understand that Jesus had now taken on that role, being both man and God. This is amazing because it means he can intercede for us before God in a unique and powerful way (Romans 8:34). He can also help us in our weaknesses in a unique and powerful way. Jesus knows the struggle and challenge of temptation, having been tempted by Satan in the wilderness and in the Garden of Gethsemane. He suffered mentally and physically, being both betrayed and brutally tortured. So, when we’re facing temptation or we’re suffering, Jesus is there to help us if we call on him. Though now seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, by his Holy Spirit he also lives in us and will guide and comfort us, because he is both faithful and merciful.
Thank you, Lord Jesus. You are utterly unique. Help me to stay close to you. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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