Today’s Reading:
Hebrews 1:1-13 (13)
“And God never said to any of the angels, “Sit in the place of honour at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.” (vv. 13 NLT)
The author of Hebrews is believed to have written this letter at a time of persecution, when Jewish Christians, were tempted to revert to Judaism. It serves as an encouragement in their struggles to find their footing in the Christian faith. So that they would not be tempted to reject the way of Jesus Christ out of fear - fear of their safety, fear of the security of their livelihoods and possibly, fear of their own lives, to persevere in their faith and to find maturity through dependence on the Lord. He reminded them that Jesus Christ came to fulfil the OT. And no person or institution of the OT is ever greater than Jesus. For He is God and man in one person, a part of the Trinity, and He is the answer to all our needs.
In our world today, such fear can arise because of the state of our societies and nations. If we follow the uprightness of the Christian faith, there may be fear of losing our status in society. But we should realise that when it comes to our faith in Christ, what others think and say does not matter, as long as we are doing what is very pleasing to God. Today’s passage makes it clear that Jesus deserves our uncompromising devotion. Most times our main focus is placed only on advancement in our career, and educational pursuit, or placing all hopes on raising families on our merit; whereas, our devotion should go hand-in-hand with all these pursuits. Jesus Christ has offered us a better position, a better priest, a better covenant, a better hope and a better sacrifice. It is only when we give Jesus the rightful devotional attention that we will be able to fulfil our real purpose or destiny in life. Jesus is now seen seated at the right hand of the Father where no angel has ever sat. Our world is gradually moving towards God’s direct purpose where Jesus Christ would see the end of all evil and His enemies will be His footstool. This would be the time when injustice, inequity, foul lifestyles, failure, and depravity would end, and those who have taken up arms against Christ and His cause would all be made His footstool.
Also, God reveals Himself to us in diverse ways, but His major revelation is Jesus Christ, the Word of God made flesh is the final step in God’s eternal plan of salvation. Jesus Christ's supremacy is seen in the following:
Jesus Christ is revealed as God. He is the ultimate authority. He is superior to any OT leader such as Abraham, Moses, or Joshua even to any priest. He alone can forgive our sins. He secured our forgiveness and salvation by His finished work on the cross.
Jesus as High Priest. Jesus Christ links us with God. He was the sacrificial Lamb without any defect and perfect. His name gives us access to the presence of God, and He is interceding for us with the Father.
Maturity – Although we are saved from sin when we believe in Christ, we are given the task of going on and growing in our faith until we reach maturity. Through our relationship with Him, we can live lives pleasing to God
Faith – Faith is confident in trusting in God’s promises. God’s greatest promise is that we can be saved through Jesus. If we trust in Jesus Christ for our complete salvation, He will transform us completely.
Endurance – Faith enables Christians to face trials and tribulations. Genuine faith includes the commitment to stay true to God when we are under pressure. Endurance builds character and leads to genuine victory in Christ Jesus.
We have victory in our trials when we do not give up or turn our backs on Christ. We need to stay committed to Him and always pray for endurance in all situations.
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
Prayer:
They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion which cannot be removed but abideth forever.
O Lord, thank you that by your death You have brought the devil to nothing and made him of no effect, in Jesus' name.
Thank You for helping me and providing immediate assistance when I am being tempted and exposed to suffering, in Jesus' name.
Father, thank you for the many ways you have protected me from the wicked and bloodthirsty men, in Jesus' name.
Thank You, Lord, for being the same yesterday, today, and forever, in Jesus' name.
Father, I pray that love for my fellow believers will always continue in my heart, in Jesus' name.
Father, I pray that You, the God of peace, will equip me with everything good to carry out Your will and strengthen me, accomplishing that which is pleasing unto You, in Jesus' name.
Father visit Christian marriages and homes with your mercy and love, in Jesus' name.
Lord rescue our children, youths and young adults from the captivity of the evil one and from bondage to sin, addiction and the world, in Jesus' name.
May all those in authority in our nation see their position as required to serve the people and nation, in Jesus' name.
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