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Friday August 30 - Jesus: The Redeemer
After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:3
‘Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’ (1 Timothy 1:15). For this reason Jesus left heaven, not to punish mankind, nor to triumphantly display his own glory, but to save us from the penalty of sin – namely, death and eternal separation from God. Hebrews 9:22 is unambiguous in saying that ‘without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.’ Full redemption for all mankind, for all time, comes in one way, and one way only – through the sacrificial blood of “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). If this in itself were not wonderful enough, the preceding verses in Hebrews 1, declaring the supremacy of Christ, lift its significance beyond human understanding and expression.
And where is Jesus now? Hallelujah! – he is risen, ascended and glorified, sitting at the right hand of God. Not pacing up and down but sitting; sitting because the victory has been won – in Jesus’ own words, “It is finished” (John 19:30). His task accomplished, he now prays for you to accept his offer of forgiveness and to freely forgive others.
Wherever you are in life, stop for a moment and take time to reflect. The Holy Spirit is with you right now to guide, comfort and empower you in your time of need.
Father, thank you for your forgiveness, the most costly and wonderful gift I could ever receive. May I in like manner find grace to forgive others. Amen.
Saturday August 31 - Jesus: Superior to angels
...he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven... he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to
theirs Hebrews 1:3-4
We end our first week in Hebrews with one last emphatic reason for worshipping Christ and Christ alone. And what is this? It’s because Jesus is far superior to all others! Jesus imparts the word of God, he is the exact imprint of God’s nature, the ultimate authority, and co- creator of all things. Jesus himself was not created, and therefore he is superior to all others, including heaven’s hosts.
The name Jesus means ‘Saviour’, given because he would “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). His work in reconciling man with God makes him unique, immeasurably above angels and archangels. The thought that Jesus is an angel is preposterous – he is God’s beloved Son, the Lord of lords and King of kings. ‘To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?’ (Hebrews 1:13-14).
In closing, let’s place Jesus in the highest place. We do not have to wait for a ‘mountain top experience’ before we do this. Like Job, in the darkest moments we can declare, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth” (Job 19:25). This is both a statement of profound faith and a triumphant shout of victory! Dare we own it?
Father God, you are amazing. We love and adore you. You alone are worthy of all honour, power and glory. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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PRAYER FOR TODAY