Page 26 - Living Light 86

Friday September 27 - Suffering servant
Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered...
Hebrews 5:8
Christ’s perfect obedience to his Father developed throughout his life. First he submitted to his parents, ‘grew and became strong... increased in wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and man’ (Luke 2:40,52). Immediately after his baptism, when a voice from heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17), the Holy Spirit sent Jesus into the desert, where he was tempted but resisted the devil’s enticements and lies by quoting scripture. Luke 4:13 records that ‘when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.’
Jesus’ life was filled with opposition, sadness, unrelenting demands and suffering, as our Servant King chose always to resolutely follow his Father’s will rather than take some easier path. This culminated in him going to the cross to lay down his life, suffering unimaginable physical, emotional and spiritual agony to save us.
Sometimes God allows us to experience suffering, to refine us and accomplish his perfect will. James 1:12 says: ‘Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because, having stood the test that person will receive the crown of life, that the Lord has promised to those who love him.’ How have you experienced this? Thank God that even when we stumble, Jesus our high priest intercedes for us and his Spirit comforts and strengthens us for the way ahead.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Jesus our Saviour, thank you for persevering to the end for us. Help us to trust and follow you in testing times. Amen.
Saturday September 28 - Source of salvation ...being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all
who obey him... Hebrews 5:9
Rare and valuable flawless diamonds form deep within the earth under immense pressure, and then are expertly cut into 57 facets that radiate exquisite reflections of light. A definition of being perfect is ‘entirely without fault or defect, satisfying all requirements and reproducing the original.’ Throughout the Old Testament times, worshipping God involved sacrificing unblemished offerings in a holy tent, and later the temple, by high priests who had been ceremoniously and meticulously washed clean. But this had limited spiritual benefits for the people.
The famous Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon wrote: ‘It needs perfectness of heart to lay self all aside, and to be touched with a feeling of the infirmities of others.’ Jesus offers forgiveness and freedom for everyone forever! ‘Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time’ (Hebrews 10:11-12 NLT).
The beauty of Christ Jesus is infinitely greater than a diamond! Having endured testing, his character refined by the Father, he ‘is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature’ (Hebrews 1:3 ESV). This is our glorious Saviour – shining far above all and yet longing to reside in our humble hearts forever!
24
We worship you, Lord Jesus – our wonderful High Priest who redeemed us from sin, who by your Spirit transforms us into your likeness to dwell with the Father forever. Alleluia!
PRAYER FOR TODAY